Reno’s Role in ESPN’s Early Days

In a surprising twist, the city of Reno is linked to the birth of one of America’s biggest sports networks. A new documentary called “Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN” will air on Monday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN.

The Spark

The film tells the story of Bill Rasmussen, who dreamed up a 24‑hour sports channel after losing his job with the New England Whalers in 1978.

The idea for the movie came from a chance meeting between Rasmussen and Reno lawyer‑author Garrett Sutton. Sutton, known for writing about Rich Dad, Poor Dad, first met Rasmussen at a seminar in Reno. The two struck up a friendship that lasted fourteen years, and they decided to collaborate on a documentary about ESPN’s origins. “The origin story was crafted here in Reno,” Sutton said.

ESPN’s Launch

ESPN officially launched on September 7, 1979 from Bristol, Connecticut. The network’s early schedule mixed obscure sports highlights with full games and studio shows. An anchor named Lee Leonard famously told a crowd of 30,000 that viewers would soon be in “sports heaven.”

The documentary explores how Rasmussen and a small team secured funding from Getty Oil, which provided satellite technology and a crucial NCAA basketball tournament deal.

Voices & Legacy

Rasmussen expressed his pride in how the story is presented. He said, “I’m delighted our origin story will air this year at the peak of March Madness.” The documentary features interviews with Rasmussen, his son Scott, and many other sports figures such as Chris Berman, Bob Ley, and Mike Buckler. It also highlights the importance of the NCAA in ESPN’s development.

Beyond this project, Sutton has produced six films, including documentaries and narrative features. One of his works chronicles the life of Max Patkin, a beloved minor‑league baseball entertainer who inspired teams like the Savannah Bananas.