Bill Rasmussen

William F. Rasmussen, born October 15, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American media executive who co-founded ESPN with his son Scott Rasmussen and other partners. The network was incorporated on July 14, 1978, and launched on September 7, 1979, with Rasmussen serving as its first president and chief executive before being removed from active leadership within a year, though he retained the title of chairman. Before ESPN he worked in radio and television news and sports departments in Massachusetts and Connecticut, including as communications director for the Hartford Whalers. When ABC purchased a controlling stake in ESPN's parent company in 1984, the Rasmussen family received about 6 million dollars for their remaining interest. He died August 18, 2026, in Land O'Lakes, Florida, at age 93.