Crucible chiefs in talks to keep Snooker World Championship at iconic venue beyond 2027 amid Saudi Arabia plans
SHEFFIELD is confident of hosting the World Snooker Championship beyond 2027 when its current contract expires.
The world-famous Crucible Theatre has hosted the sport’s flagship event annually since 1977.
Yet the venue only holds 980 seats and there has been growing speculation that it could be moved elsewhere in three years’ time.
Barry Hearn, the president of Matchroom Sport, ruffled some feathers when he vowed to move the event globally unless Sheffield City Council agreed to plans to build a new, 2,500-seater arena.
Hossein Vafaei, aka the Prince of Persia, reckons the Crucible STINKS, it desperately needs a lick of paint and the practice rooms look like garages.
And seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan would have no issue if the event moved, perhaps to somewhere like Saudi Arabia or China.
The Rocket reckons the “outdated” Grade II Listed building needs to smart up and wants an interior designer to work backstage, claiming the “player, practice facilities and hotels in Sheffield aren’t great”.
However, Sheffield City Council says they have had “constructive conversations” over the past year with government officials and key stakeholders about a new deal.
A study compiled by Sheffield City Council claimed the economic impact is £4.5million and the number of the visitors to the city mushrooms to 12,000 during the 17 days of competition.
In January, BBC Sport announced it would broadcast Triple Crown events until 2032 in a new five-year extension – their previous deal with the World Snooker Tour was due to expire in 2027.
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A joint statement issued on behalf of World Snooker Tour, Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Theatres said: “Sheffield loves snooker.
“Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Theatres and World Snooker Tour have been working together, along with the BBC and partners across the city, to make the 2025 World Championship the best yet.
“We can’t wait to welcome the snooker world back to the iconic Crucible theatre this month.
“Sheffield City Council, World Snooker Tour and Sheffield Theatres are longstanding partners.
“Over the last 12 months we have had constructive conversations, with national government, and key partners, about the World Snooker Championship beyond 2027.
“Due to the sensitive and commercial nature of these ongoing discussions, no announcement on the future of the Championship will be made by Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Theatres or World Snooker Tour during this year’s event.
“When we can share more information with the millions of snooker fans around the world, and with the people of Sheffield, we will provide an update.”