By admin 
The founder of ESPN has died on Tuesday, August 18. He was 93 years old.
Bill Rasmussen, who had the revolutionary idea for a 24-hour cable sports network, passed away on Tuesday. ESPN confirmed the news with a social media post shortly before noon E.T. on Tuesday.
Read more NFL Fans Annoyed By ESPN’s Plans For Jason Kelce This Season
“ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen, whose out-of-the-box idea of a 24-hour cable sports network forever changed the landscape of sports media, died today at the age of 93. A game-changer for the ages. Thank you for everything, Bill ❤️,” ESPN announced on Tuesday.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro released a statement, too.
“Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports,” said Pitaro. “Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn’t for Bill’s passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day.”
Pitaro added: “One of my greatest thrills since joining ESPN was getting to know Bill on a personal level. I will always cherish the memory of catching the ceremonial first pitch that he threw at Fenway Park in Boston in celebration of our 40th anniversary. His legacy will always be a part of ESPN.”
Regardless of how you feel about ESPN in 2026, the Worldwide Leader in Sports has been an iconic part of sports over the past 40-plus years.
Tributes for the ESPN founder are pouring in
“Rest In Peace to a legend,” one fan wrote.
“Bill Rasmussen was a real game-changer in sports broadcasting. His bold idea transformed how the world watches sports. A remarkable legacy,” one fan added.
Read more Cody Bellinger Won’t Solve All of Yankees’ Offensive Problems
“A true pioneer who changed sports media forever. Bill Rasmussen’s vision created ESPN and opened a new era for sports fans. A remarkable legacy that will live on,” one fan added.
“Changed the media landscape of sports. RIP,” one fan added.
“Thank you Bill for making televised sports what it is today,” one fan added.
“Thank you for that 02-09 era of ESPN where I watched it 24/7 when there wasn’t a game on. What a time,” one fan added.
“An absolute legend. We owe so much to this man. Thank you, Bill,” one fan added.
“An absolute game changer,” one fan added.
Our thoughts are with the friends and family members of the ESPN founder on Tuesday morning. May the legendary sports media figure rest in peace.
Read more USMNT World Cup Defender Finalizing Deal to Return to Hometown Club-Report
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published August 18, 2026 at 8:50 AM.