Bill Rasmussen releases Sports Heaven book on ESPN’s origin

Bill Rasmussen released a new book, audiobook and documentary project on July 28, 2026 that recounts ESPN’s launch and the entrepreneurial gamble behind the first 24/7 sports network. The release ties the story to Bristol, Connecticut, where ESPN first went on air in 1979, and packages the material for readers, listeners and viewers.

Why it matters: - The release revisits the origin story of ESPN, one of the most influential brands in sports media. - The project frames ESPN’s launch as a case study in entrepreneurship, risk-taking and persistence. - The book, audiobook and documentary are aimed at readers, listeners and viewers interested in business history and sports broadcasting.

What happened: - Bill Rasmussen released Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN on July 28, 2026 through SuccessDNA. - The project is part of a three-format rollout that includes a book, an audiobook and a documentary. - The story focuses on ESPN’s launch on Sept. 7, 1979, in Bristol, Connecticut, as the first 24/7 sports network. - Chris Berman wrote the foreword. - Mike Soltys, an ESPN historian, and Garrett Z. Sutton, founder of Tenero TV, co-authored the project. - The documentary aired on ESPN on April 6, 2026 and is now available exclusively on Tenero.TV.

The details: - The book highlights the “bold vision,” challenges and behind-the-scenes moments that led to ESPN’s launch. - Bill Rasmussen and his son and co-founder, Scott Rasmussen, first built the plan around what the release describes as a “big audacious goal” and a bet on satellites. - ESPN’s first broadcast came nine months before CNN launched its 24-hour cable news program on June 1, 1980. - Rasmussen’s firing from the Hartford Whalers in 1978 became the catalyst for rethinking his next move in sports broadcasting. - The release says Rasmussen responded by brainstorming ideas, scheduling investor meetings and building the ESPN launch team with Scott Rasmussen. - One key moment came when Scott Rasmussen told his father, “I don't care what you do with it, Dad. Show football all day and see if I care.” - Bill Rasmussen then asked, “Why not build a channel dedicated entirely to sports?” - The book and audiobook include 20 sports-industry perspectives, including Scott Rasmussen, Chris Berman, George Grande, Mary Walton, Bob Ley, Chuck Pagano, George Conner, Geoff Bray, Rosa Gatti, George Bodenheimer, Jimmy Pitaro, Mike Soltys, Josh Krulewitz, Howard Baldwin, Dennis Randall, Ken Boudreau, Mike Buckler, Al Parinello, John Leone, Greg Wyatt and J.B. Doherty. - Sutton says the project is about persistence, risk, vision and intentional optimism. - Soltys joined ESPN at age 20 as an unpaid intern and later built a 45-year PR career in the company’s corporate communications department. - Soltys said the ESPN origin story helped launch thousands of careers and fueled the sports television industry’s growth over five decades. - The documentary was directed by Emmy Award-winning director Greg DeHart. - Sutton served as executive producer, and Soltys served as producer. - Bill Rasmussen’s leadership advice in the book includes leading with optimism, starting each day with positive intention, keeping the message simple, never letting the world see you sweat and staying curious. - Readers can buy the book on Amazon: More information - The audiobook is available on Amazon Audible: More information - The documentary trailer is on YouTube: Watch the trailer - The film is available on Tenero.TV: Watch the film

Between the lines: - The project casts ESPN’s founding as a “moonshot” story, using entrepreneurial language to broaden its appeal beyond sports fans. - Positioning the release as a book, audiobook and documentary suggests an effort to reach multiple audiences with one core narrative. - The emphasis on optimism and risk-taking aligns the ESPN origin story with startup-style leadership themes.

What’s next: - The book, audiobook and documentary are now positioned for continued distribution through Amazon, Audible and Tenero.TV. - The release may prompt renewed interest in ESPN’s early history as the network approaches the next chapter of its legacy. - The 20-voice format gives the story room to circulate as a reference point for entrepreneurs, media executives and sports fans.

The bottom line: - Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN turns ESPN’s founding into a packaged business-and-sports origin story built around one idea: a bold bet on a dedicated sports network changed the industry.