Barry Hearn Calls for New Venue in Sheffield for World Snooker Championship

Barry Hearn, the former World Snooker chairman and president of Matchroom, has issued a stern warning to Sheffield City Council regarding the future of the World Snooker Championship. Hearn has called for the iconic Crucible venue to be replaced with a larger capacity venue when its current deal expires in 2027.

In a recent interview, Hearn emphasized the importance of financial considerations in the decision-making process, stating, “It’s all about the money.” Speculation surrounding the future of the venue was further fueled by comments from seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who suggested moving the tournament to lucrative markets such as Saudi Arabia or China.

Despite criticism from players like Hossein Vafaei about the conditions at the Crucible, Sheffield City Council remains committed to hosting the World Snooker Championship for years to come. Chief executive Kate Josephs reaffirmed the city’s strong ties to the sport, emphasizing the tournament’s significance to the local community and fans worldwide.

Hearn proposed the idea of rotating the World Championship between different venues around the world, highlighting the growing interest in snooker from countries like Saudi Arabia. While some players have expressed concerns about potential changes, Hearn stressed the importance of prize money and financial growth in professional sports.

As discussions continue about the future of the World Snooker Championship, the sport’s governing bodies and players alike are faced with tough decisions about tradition, financial incentives, and the global expansion of the game. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.