‘Game changer for the ages’ ESPN founding father dies as network releases emotional statement

William F. Rasmussen, the founder of ESPN has sadly died at the age of 93 from the effects of Parkinsons disease.

Rasmussen, launched ESPN on September 7, 1979, as the world’s first 24/7 sports network.

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“Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a statement.

“Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn’t for Bill’s passion.

“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.”

Rasmussen is survived by his two sons, Scott and Glenn and his daughter Lynn Van Hollebeke.

How Bill Rasmussen founded ESPN

In 1978, Rasmussen and his son Scott were stuck in traffic in Connecticut when Bill came up with the idea to create a network dedicated for sports.

He had just purchased 24-hour access to a satellite transponder, three months after being fired as communications director of the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association.

Armed with a maxed-out credit card advance, and after several name deliberations, ESPN was incorporated on July 14, 1978.

ESPN first went on the air at 7 p.m. EDT on Sept. 7, with a 30-minute edition of SportsCenter introduced by anchor Lee Leonard.

“If you’re a fan, if you’re a fan, what you’ll see in the next minutes, hours and days to follow may convince you you’ve gone to sports heaven,” Leonard said in his opening remarks.

1.4 million tuned into the opening SportsCenter, and watched a college football preview show followed by slow-pitch softball games.

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A year later, he secured the rights to broadcast college basketball games, the start of the networks meteoric rise to the top.

“Bill was our George Washington and a good friend,” said veteran anchor Chris Berman.

“He was such a grateful person and every sports fan can be grateful for Bill. He wasn’t a glass half-full guy; his glass was always overflowing with optimism.

“He greeted everyone with a smile and we can all smile knowing Bill’s legacy.”

Fans of the network have also sent their best wishes and fond memories of Rasmussen following the unfortunate news of his passing.

“Thank you Bill for what you did for the world of sports. We aren’t here now the way we are if you didn’t do way you did,” one commented.

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“This man changed television as we know it. Say whatever you want about the network now, but sports wouldn’t be where they are today without him. RIP,” a second added.

“A sad day for the sports world, A truly sweet, generous, and smart person taken too soon, Rest In Peace,” a third said.