World Snooker Championship: Crucible Deal Secured Until 2045 | SportsPro Media
The World Snooker Championship will remain at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield until at least 2045 following a landmark agreement between the World Snooker Tour (WST) and Sheffield City Council, securing the future of one of the sport’s most iconic events at its historic home.
The deal, announced on , includes an option to extend the hosting agreement to 2050. Crucially, it similarly paves the way for a £45 million (US$60 million) refurbishment of the Crucible Theatre, adding up to 500 additional seats and enhancing spectator facilities. The project will be funded by £35 million in public investment and £10 million from private sources.
The agreement ends a period of uncertainty surrounding the championship’s location. The current agreement was set to expire in 2027, prompting speculation that the tournament might move from the 980-capacity venue. Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport, had previously stated that a significant revamp or replacement of the Crucible was necessary to retain the championship in Sheffield, particularly in the face of interest from potential alternative hosts such as Saudi Arabia and China.
The allure of those alternative locations was underscored by Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in sports, having hosted its first WST event in Riyadh in . China, too, has a strong and growing connection to snooker, fueled by the success of players like Zhao Xintong, who became the first player from mainland China and Asia to win the World Championship last year. That victory generated a cumulative audience of 180 million viewers on Chinese national broadcaster CCTV5, the highest figure since 2022, with the third session of the final attracting 24.59 million unique viewers.
Despite the financial incentives and larger capacity offered by these alternative venues, Hearn conceded he had allowed “sentiment” to play a role in the decision, admitting it was the first time in his career he’d let his heart guide a business deal. The Crucible, which has hosted the World Championship since 1977, holds a special place in the history of the sport and for many players and fans.
The refurbishment will see the Crucible undergo significant changes. The addition of 500 seats will increase the venue’s capacity to 1500. The function is scheduled to capture place after the 2028 tournament, with the event temporarily relocated during the redevelopment period. The planned transformation includes an ‘in the round’ seating configuration and improvements to spectator facilities.
The decision has been widely welcomed within the snooker community. WST chairman Steve Dawson expressed his delight, stating, “This is the news that players and fans around the world have been waiting and hoping for.” He added, “It comes following years of close negotiation with Sheffield City Council and the UK government and we are delighted to have reached this far reaching agreement.”
Dawson continued, “I would like to thank our partners as we have shared a vision which continues the wonderful relationship between snooker and Sheffield. I can imagine walking back into that arena as the planned transformation is delivered and seeing something even more fabulous.”
The agreement represents a significant commitment from Sheffield City Council and the UK government to support the long-term future of snooker in the city. It also acknowledges the cultural and economic benefits the World Championship brings to the region, supporting venues, sporting facilities, and businesses throughout Sheffield.
While previous attempts to renovate or replace the Crucible, including a proposed 3,500-capacity ‘Billiardrome’ in 2005, had failed to materialize, this latest agreement appears to have overcome the obstacles that previously hindered progress. The securing of £45 million in funding proved decisive, according to Hearn.
The long-term commitment to the Crucible ensures that the World Snooker Championship will continue to be played in a venue steeped in history and tradition, preserving the unique atmosphere that has grow synonymous with the sport’s most prestigious event. The planned refurbishment promises to enhance the experience for both players and fans, while solidifying Sheffield’s position as the spiritual home of snooker for generations to come.