EDITOR’S NOTE: Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 marks the launch of ESPN’s new Direct-to-Consumer streaming service and National ESPN App Day! This is the latest launch seen by Mike Soltys, who started as an intern in 1980 and today is ESPN’s part-time Historian. In anticipation of the DTC service’s debut, which brings the full suite of 12 ESPN networks and services directly to fans through an enhanced ESPN App, Soltys reviews some other historic ESPN launches via rarely seen photos from the company’s archives.
As ESPN’s new era begins, here is a glimpse at several memorable “launch day” moments.
ESPN’s LAUNCH DAY: SEPT. 7, 1979, BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT
In a recently uncovered photograph, premiere show producer Bill Creasy, who also produced the first Super Bowl for CBS, holds up a cue card in our original Bristol studio for anchor Lee Leonard. “If you’re a fan . . .”
ESPN2’s LAUNCH DAY: OCT. 1, 1993, BRISTOL
The multi-channel era for ESPN kicks off. A legendary Bristol launch party included rapper MC Hammer and first-night host Keith Olbermann loosening Chris Berman’s tie to reflect the cooler attitude of “The Deuce.”
ESPNEWS’ LAUNCH DAY: NOV. 1, 1996, BRISTOL
ESPN’s sports news coverage was front-and-center for the 1996 launch of ESPNEWS. Media from throughout the country gathered for a “Fantasy Camp” where they learned how to be SportsCenter anchors. In the photo above, Chris Berman and Bob Ley share stories with the press.
ESPN THE MAGAZINE’S LAUNCH DAY: MARCH 11, 1998, NEW YORK CITY
ESPN The Magazine was based in New York and the 1998 launch party featured a room of A-listers, including supermodel Cindy Crawford, who signed the first edition cover.
ESPN DEPORTES’ LAUNCH DAY: JAN. 7, 2004, BRISTOL
President George Bodenheimer enthusiastically talks to employees in the ESPN Cafe.