Bill Rasmussen, co-founder of ESPN, dies at 93

(CNN, KYMA) - Bill Rasmussen, the father of sports television, has died from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Along with his son Scott, Rasmussen was the visionary behind ESPN, launching the network in 1979.

Rasmussen was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2025.

Born in Chicago, Rasmussen served in the U.S. Air Force before launching his media career.

After being fired by the New England Whalers in 1978, he set his sights on launching the network that would eventually be known as the worldwide leader in sports.

Rasmussen was 93-years-old.