The San Francisco Giants' relationship with flagship radio station KNBR has never been more strained, with a source claiming it's "never been this bad." The partnership, which has endured championships and rebuilding seasons since 1979, is now on shaky ground due to a combination of factors.
The Giants are having a disastrous season, with the team nearly 30 games under .500 and on pace for its worst season since the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. This has put pressure on the team's relationship with KNBR, with the station citing a source who said the relationship has "never been this bad." The source did not specify what led to the strain in the partnership.
Larry Baer, Giants president, had previously praised the partnership, comparing it to a long-standing marriage. However, it seems the partnership has hit a rough patch. "When you have a really good, long, successful marriage, what do you want to do? You want to keep it going," Baer said in April 2025.
The problem lies in the give and take required in any partnership between a radio station and a professional sports franchise. The franchise's responsibility is to provide access to game broadcasts and fulfill other agreed-upon commitments. However, the Giants have been limiting access to their players and executives, making it difficult for KNBR to do its job.
The station's responsibility is to fulfill its contractual obligations by working with the franchise on promotions, messaging, and ensuring fans know where to find the broadcasts. However, the Giants' behavior has made it challenging for KNBR to do so.
KNBR's role is to hold the team accountable when necessary, while also celebrating success when it's warranted. However, the Giants have been avoiding the media, with players and executives canceling appearances on the flagship station without explanation.
The solution to repairing the relationship between the Giants and KNBR is simple: the team needs to be more open and communicative with the media. "If the team is unhappy with the coverage, be better," said an unnamed source. "If the Giants want more positive press and conversation, win more games."
Source: Yahoo Sports