Longtime sportscaster Greg Papa out at KNBR; station issues statement

SAN FRANCISCO - Longtime Bay Area sports broadcaster and San Francisco 49ers radio play-by-play announcer Greg Papa has been laid off from KNBR.

Cumulus Media, which owns KNBR, issued a statement on Aug. 7 acknowledging Papa's departure and praising his decades of work at the station.

What they're saying:

"For decades, Greg Papa has been one of the defining voices of Bay Area sports radio," Cumulus Media said in an online statement. "His knowledge, passion, and connection with his listeners helped shape KNBR into what it is today, and his contributions to the station will not be forgotten.

"We're not able to comment on the specifics of his departure, but we want to be clear about this: our respect and gratitude for everything Greg has given to KNBR, its listeners, and its team runs deep. We are continuing to explore ways we can bring his voice back to the station, and we wish Greg strength, healing, and a full recovery."

Papa's midday co-host, Greg Silver, confirmed on social media that he was also let go.

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall's road to recovering from PCL surgery

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will not play this season. According to the team, Pearsall requires season-ending PCL surgery on his right knee after injuring the ligament Week 4 of last season.

49ers role remains unchanged

What they're saying:

Papa's role as the 49ers' radio play-by-play announcer is not affected by the layoffs.

The team said his employment status remains unchanged under a separate contract with the organization.

Recovering after bone marrow transplant

Papa announced in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with leukemia.

He recently underwent a successful bone marrow transplant and has spent the past month recovering at home.

Sports