Eddie Hearn calls for snooker to embrace global investment amid debate over World Championship venue

The future of the World Snooker Championship at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is up for debate as the venue’s contract is set to expire in 2027. Prominent figures in the sport, including Eddie Hearn, are calling for the event to embrace investment from different parts of the globe to ensure its continued growth and evolution.

Hearn, whose Matchroom company owns a majority stake in the World Snooker Tour, highlighted the challenges posed by the Crucible’s limited capacity of just 980 seats. He emphasized the need to explore opportunities that can provide more opportunities for players, increase prize pools, and attract a larger audience while still honoring the sport’s rich history.

While the Crucible’s intimate atmosphere is cherished by many, concerns have been raised about the venue’s aging facilities and its ability to meet the growing demand for tickets. Comparisons have been drawn to other venues like Alexandra Palace in London, which can accommodate over 2,000 fans, and the invitational Hong Kong Masters, which drew a record crowd of 9,000 in 2022.

Players like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Allen have expressed openness to the idea of moving the World Championship to a larger venue if it means securing a brighter future for the sport. The debate over the event’s location reflects a broader conversation within snooker about adapting to changing times and seizing opportunities for growth.

As the sport continues to evolve and attract new audiences, the decision about the World Championship’s future venue will be crucial in shaping its trajectory in the years to come. Stay tuned to My Sport on the BBC app for the latest updates on this developing story.