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Sunn Stream Productions has announced a new feature-length sports documentary about ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen that is in production. The company says the documentary will highlight Rasmussen’s “bold vision to build the most successful sports cable network in America.”
In a release, Sunn Stream Founder and Executive Producer Garrett Z. Sutton said, “We’re excited to work with Bill Rasmussen to tell the story about the greatest sports entrepreneur in the world in this new documentary.”
Former ESPN PR Exec Mike Soltys will serve as a producer and historical liaison to the production team on behalf of ESPN. He will work closely from ESPN’s Bristol, Connecticut, campus with Emmy Award-Winning Director Greg DeHart. Soltys and Rasmussen’s relationship goes back to 1980 when Soltys became Rasmussen’s first intern. Soltys stayed in the ESPN Communications group for 43 years, the last 20 as VP of Communications.
“Interacting with Bill for decades has been a true honor,” Soltys said. “I’m beyond grateful to work on this new film about an American sports icon whose ideas and optimism not only changed an industry, but the way millions of fans enjoy sports.”
Additionally, Director Greg DeHart added in the release, “As a life-long sports fan who has spent way too many hours watching ESPN, I am honored that Bill has entrusted us to bring his remarkable story of perseverance and foresight to the world.”
The estimated release date for the documentary is late 2025.
Rasmussen is now 91 years old. He founded ESPN along with his son Scott and Ed Eagan. The network launched on September 7, 1979. Prior to starting ESPN, Rasmussen had been the communications director of the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association.
