In a seismic shift for British sports broadcasting, the BBC has been stripped of its rights to air the prestigious World Snooker Championship after two decades of coverage. The broadcasting giant will hand over the reins to streaming service Discovery+ starting in 2026.
The End of an Era for Snooker Coverage
The decision marks the conclusion of the BBC's 20-year partnership with the World Snooker Tour, which has seen iconic moments from Sheffield's Crucible Theatre broadcast to millions of households across the nation. The move represents one of the most significant changes in snooker broadcasting history.
Discovery+ Secures Exclusive Rights
From 2026 onwards, Discovery+ will become the exclusive home of the World Snooker Championship in a deal that covers the entire World Snooker Tour. This includes not only the flagship World Championship but also the UK Championship and the Masters tournament.
The agreement means that for the first time in modern broadcasting history, the World Snooker Championship will not be available on traditional terrestrial television. Fans will need to subscribe to Discovery+'s streaming service to watch the action unfold.
Mixed Reactions from Snooker Community
The announcement has sparked concern among some snooker enthusiasts who fear the sport may become less accessible to the general public. The BBC's free-to-air coverage has traditionally brought snooker to wider audiences, particularly during the dramatic final stages of tournaments.
However, World Snooker Tour chairman Steve Dawson defended the move, stating that the new partnership will provide "significant further investment in the sport" and help snooker reach new global audiences through Discovery's extensive international platforms.
What This Means for Snooker Fans
While the change promises enhanced production values and potentially more comprehensive coverage, it does raise questions about the sport's accessibility to casual viewers and those without streaming subscriptions. The 2024 and 2025 tournaments will remain on the BBC, giving fans two more years to enjoy the traditional broadcasting setup before the major transition occurs.
