Bill Rasmussen, co-founder of ESPN, died on August 18, 2026, at the age of 93 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He launched ESPN in 1979 with his son, Scott Rasmussen, creating the first 24/7 sports television channel. ESPN confirmed his death, stating he passed away at his home in Florida.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro described Rasmussen as a visionary and innovator who played a crucial role in the network's establishment. Rasmussen's concept for a dedicated sports network led to the creation of a company valued at $30 billion as of February. Although he left ESPN shortly after its founding, he returned as an adviser later in his career.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014, Rasmussen publicly shared his diagnosis in 2019, encouraging others to maintain a positive outlook. He is survived by three children: Scott, Glenn, and Lynn, and his wife, Lois, who passed away in 2011.