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

Knicks championship parade highlights
The New York Knicks celebrated the team's first NBA championship since 1973 with a ticker-tape parade on Thursday. It marks the first championship parade in...
Thu Jun 25, 2026

Is Raleigh a hockey town? After two Stanley Cups, city claims major-league status
Even before the Carolina Hurricanes won their second Stanley Cup, Triangle T-shirt shop House of Swank made a bold declaration across the chest of its...
Thu Jun 25, 2026

Michigan names Mike Boynton Jr. interim head coach after Dusty May leaves for Mavericks job
University of Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced Tuesday that assistant Mike Boynton Jr. "has been appointed head coach in an interim capacity" following the...
Tue Jun 23, 2026

NCAA approves landmark age-based eligibility model
The NCAA Division I Cabinet has voted to approve the age-based eligibility model, shifting away from the model that allowed athletes four seasons of competition...
Tue Jun 23, 2026