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

Wes Miller fired after five seasons as Cincinnati Bearcats basketball coach
Cincinnati has dismissed men's basketball coach Wes Miller. Miller spent five seasons leading the Bearcats, compiling a 100-75 record and failing to reach the NCAA...
Fri Mar 13, 2026

A life-changing moment: Queens University in Charlotte has made it to March Madness for first time
Queens, one of the best-kept secrets in college basketball, is a secret no more. The Royals won the Atlantic Sun men’s basketball tournament Sunday afternoon...
Thu Mar 12, 2026

Arizona State not renewing coach Bobby Hurley’s contract after 11 up-and-down seasons
Bobby Hurley’s tenure as Arizona State’s coach is over after 11 up-and-down seasons. Arizona State athletic director Graham Rossini announced Wednesday that Hurley’s contract will...
Thu Mar 12, 2026

An Ode to the Rollaway TV, the Original MVP of March Madness
Strapped to the cart, the box television was an escape from the grind of school and a gateway into March Madness. Once the power button...
Thu Mar 12, 2026