SAN FRANCISCO, CA – September 10, 2026 – Cumulus Media’s KNBR The Sports Leader announces that Greg Papa, longtime Bay Area sports broadcaster and voice of the San Francisco 49ers, has entered into a new agreement with KNBR to host a new midday feature, “Lunch With Papa,” on the Sports Talk station and twice-weekly “Niners Updates With Greg Papa” during KNBR’s morning drive and afternoon drive shows. The new programming marks Papa’s return to KNBR’s weekday lineup, where he spent seven years as a beloved daily fixture.
KNBR’s new one-hour feature, “Lunch With Papa,” will debut later in the month, and will air Monday through Friday from Noon to 1:00pm. The feature pairs Papa with John Lund, whose midday show airs weekdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm. In addition, during football season, Papa will be heard on KNBR in two segments each week in both Morning Drive and Afternoon Drive, where Papa will call in to give “Niners Updates With Greg Papa.”
Larry Blumhagen, Regional Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus San Francisco/Los Angeles, said: “Greg Papa is a Bay Area icon in sports broadcasting. His name and voice are synonymous with sports in this market. That connection is even stronger when speaking about the San Francisco 49ers. We are excited to have Greg back on air sharing his insights about all things Niners, and more!”
Greg Papa commented: “I’m thrilled to be back on The Sports Leader and even more thrilled to be working with my good friend John Lund again. Let’s do this!”
KNBR announced Papa’s return to the station’s programming lineup on-air today at the annual live broadcast event, “49ers Roundtable,” with KNBR personalities discussing the start of the Niners season from Almanac Adventureland in Alameda. John Lund kicked off KNBR’s full day of 49ers coverage at 10:00am, with the “49ers Roundtable” at Noon, followed by Copes & J-D and 49ers pre-game coverage at 2:30pm. The live broadcast event is free and open to the public, who can stick around after the broadcasts and watch the 49ers take on the L.A. Rams in the season opener from Melbourne, Australia. Niners fans can enjoy the upgraded Emerald Lodge, state-of-the-art arcade, beer garden and tasty beverages throughout the day.
