Full Breakdown
San Francisco 49ers and KNBR Extend Long-Standing Partnership
4/16/2026, 1:00:20 PM
Partnership Continuation and Significance
The San Francisco 49ers and KNBR have announced a multi-year extension of their partnership, which has been in place since 2005. This agreement ensures that the iconic broadcast team of Greg Papa and Tim Ryan will continue to provide play-by-play coverage for the 49ers. Larry Blumhagen, the Regional Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus San Francisco/Los Angeles, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We have a wonderful relationship with the organization and its people, and they are truly a partner to us in connecting their fans with all the gameday action they love and demand.”
Brent Schoeb, the Chief Operating Officer of the 49ers, emphasized the importance of KNBR in the team's history, noting that the station has been integral to the 49ers' narrative, covering significant moments from playoff victories to the team's transition to Levi’s Stadium. He remarked, “KNBR has been there for every 49ers moment since 2005... We are thrilled to extend our long-term partnership.”
Health Challenges and Resilience of Greg Papa
Greg Papa, who has been a central figure in the 49ers' broadcast team, faced significant health challenges in the past year. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July, Papa underwent extensive treatment, including a bone marrow transplant from his sister Judy, who was a perfect match. After a period of hospitalization and treatment, he returned to the booth for the regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks in January, demonstrating resilience throughout his recovery process.
Papa's journey back to broadcasting included a remote return to his radio show in September while still undergoing chemotherapy. He has set his sights on returning fully for the upcoming NFL season, targeting training camp and the team's Week 1 game in Melbourne as key milestones.
Broader Implications of the Extension
This partnership extension comes at a pivotal time for KNBR, as its parent company, Cumulus Media, is emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The continuation of this flagship audio deal with the 49ers reinforces KNBR's position as a leading sports radio station in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose market. The agreement includes pre-and post-game shows, ensuring comprehensive coverage for 49ers fans across various platforms, including AM, FM, and streaming services.
Official Statements & Responses
The announcement of the partnership extension has been met with positive responses from both KNBR and the 49ers. Blumhagen reiterated the station's commitment to delivering exceptional coverage, while Schoeb highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the 49ers and KNBR, stating, “KNBR is woven into the fabric of the 49ers organization and what it means to be Faithful.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We at KNBR are tremendously excited to continue this valued partnership with the Niners,” — Larry Blumhagen, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus San Francisco/Los Angeles
- “KNBR has been there for every 49ers moment since 2005, from spectacular individual plays and broken records to playoff wins and our move to Levi’s Stadium.” — Brent Schoeb, COO, San Francisco 49ers
This partnership not only signifies a commitment to fans but also highlights the resilience of individuals like Greg Papa, who continue to inspire through their dedication to the sport and community.
