Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to provide financial support to ensure the continuation of the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible in Sheffield. The current contract for hosting the tournament at the Sheffield arena is approaching its expiration next year.
While Council leaders expressed strong interest in keeping the championship in Sheffield, Barry Hearn, the president of Matchroom Sport, hinted at the possibility of exploring alternative venues.
The government has intervened by offering funding, with Starmer engaging in discussions about the future of the tournament during a recent visit to The Crucible with local council representatives.
An insider, as reported by The Sheffield Star, emphasized the progress of negotiations, highlighting the Prime Minister’s active role in the talks and the positive impact of his involvement on the city, sports, and arts scene.
The iconic Crucible venue has been the home of the Snooker World Championships since 1977, although uncertainties have arisen due to the contractual circumstances.
Hearn has raised the prospect of moving the tournament to Saudi Arabia if his demand for a £1 million prize pool is not met, urging Sheffield to align with his vision and emphasizing the importance of government support in maintaining the event in the UK.
The 2026 World Snooker Championship is scheduled to commence on April 18 and run until May 4, with Chinese player Zhao Xintong defending his title after triumphing over Mark Williams in last year’s final.
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