ESPN Celebrating 45-Year Anniversary, Bill Rasmussen Reflects on Launch

Posted Sep 7, 2024
ESPN is celebrating its 45-year anniversary this month, recognizing the launch of the network at 7 p.m. EST on Sept. 7, 1979. The idea to launch the 24/7 all-sports network came from Bill Rasmussen, former communications manager for the Hartford Whalers, and the vision was further expanded upon in discussions with his son Scott. (Barrett Sports Media)

Related: Other News

Indiana football delivers perfect moment with Big Ten championship, sparks memories
What does a perfect moment look like? Does it come with joy? Tears? Amid a downpour of confetti set against the percussive roar of a...
Tue Dec 9, 2025

ACC’s Jim Phillips defends league backing members in CFP bid chase amid Notre Dame AD’s criticism
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said the league has a “responsibility” to advocate for its football-playing members for College Football Playoff bids, coming after criticism from...
Tue Dec 9, 2025

Cal football hires Oregon DC Tosh Lupoi as next head coach
Cal hired Oregon defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi as the Bears' next head coach. Lupoi played at Cal from 2000 to 2005 before starting his coaching...
Tue Dec 9, 2025

Pete Bevacqua warns ACC did 'permanent damage' to relationship with Notre Dame
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua made it clear Monday that the fallout from the College Football Playoff snub goes beyond disappointment. It’s fractured the...
Mon Dec 8, 2025