The World Snooker Championship will remain at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre until at least 2045, with an option to extend to 2050, after a new agreement between World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council. The venue, which has hosted the tournament since 1977, will undergo a renovation after the 2028 event, funded by £45m of government investment that will increase capacity from 980 to 1,500 seats.
Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport, admitted that sentiment played a significant role in the decision, marking a departure from his usual business-first approach. He recalled how his life changed in 1981 when Steve Davis won the title at the Crucible, which led to the formation of Matchroom. 'There are certain things where you'd hate yourself if you did them,' Hearn said. 'Nothing I've done will ever surpass the Crucible; I owe it more than it owes me.'
Hearn conceded that had the council been unable to secure government funding, the tournament would likely have moved when the previous deal expired next year. He praised Sheffield City Council for their determination, admitting that losing the event would have left him 'mortified'. However, he acknowledged that alternative venues, including in Saudi Arabia and China, offered more financially lucrative long-term opportunities.
The deal was not universally popular, with Hearn revealing that his son Eddie, who prefers the business side of sport, was among those opposed. 'Eddie is not a snooker fan, he likes the business of sport,' Hearn said, noting that Eddie's passion lies with boxing. Despite the opposition, Hearn insisted that staying at the Crucible was essential. 'Without the Crucible, snooker just isn't the same,' he added.
