Barry Hearn, former World Snooker chairman and president of Matchroom, has issued a stark warning to Sheffield City Council: invest in a new venue with a larger capacity or risk losing the prestigious World Snooker Championship. Hearn’s ultimatum comes as the current deal to host the tournament at the Crucible expires in 2027, the 50th anniversary of its association with the championship. In an interview with the BBC, Hearn bluntly stated, “It’s all about the money.”
Hearn’s comments echo those of seven-time World Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who earlier this year suggested moving the tournament to a more financially lucrative location, such as Saudi Arabia or China. This proposal was met with strong reactions from the snooker community, with some players expressing concerns about the potential loss of the tournament’s iconic venue. However, Hearn remained firm in his stance, emphasizing the need for a venue that can accommodate at least 2,500 to 3,000 spectators.
Despite the criticism, Sheffield City Council has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the World Snooker Championship in the city. Chief Executive Kate Josephs emphasized the tournament’s significance to Sheffield and the global snooker fanbase. She stated, “Sheffield is the home of snooker. The World Snooker Championships and Sheffield go hand in hand.” Josephs added that the city is in regular contact with World Snooker Tour to discuss the future of the tournament.
The future of the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield remains uncertain. While the city council is determined to secure the tournament’s future, Hearn’s ultimatum highlights the financial pressures facing the sport. With other locations offering potentially more lucrative opportunities, Sheffield City Council may need to make a significant investment in the Crucible or risk losing one of the most prestigious events in the sporting calendar.
