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

2026 NBA Draft: 71 early entrants, fewest underclassmen since 2003, to test waters
The NBA released the early entry list for the 2026 NBA Draft on Monday. The deadline to withdraw from the draft and maintain eligibility to...
Wed Apr 29, 2026

Brendan Sorsby and college football's first biggest gambling scandal
What is clear is college football has its biggest modern gambling scandal, as the star power -- and NIL dollars -- attached to Texas Tech...
Wed Apr 29, 2026

NCAA basketball tournaments set to move to 76 teams
The NCAA has initiated the final steps to expand the men's and women's basketball tournaments to 76 teams, sources reported Tuesday. The expansion, which has...
Tue Apr 28, 2026

Why the Pro Model In Sports Works
Thirty years ago, high school basketball players could go straight to the NBA, which Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett did. The NBA changed that for...
Tue Apr 28, 2026