Overview
- Rasmussen died Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at his home in Land O’ Lakes, Florida from complications of Parkinson’s disease, ESPN said.
- He and his son Scott conceived the idea in the late 1970s after exploring satellite distribution and risked personal funds to build a national sports channel.
- ESPN began broadcasting on September 7, 1979 with SportsCenter and initially reached about 1.4 million homes thanks to backing from Getty Oil and deals with the NCAA and Anheuser-Busch.
- Rasmussen served as ESPN’s first president but left active leadership around 1980 after Getty Oil acquired majority control and the founders were pushed out.
- In later years he disclosed a Parkinson’s diagnosis, served as a patient ambassador, was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2025, and drew public tributes from ESPN leaders and on-air talent.