Barry Hearn Considers Historic Overseas Move for World Snooker Championship
Barry Hearn, the influential president of Matchroom Sport, has stated he is 'not ruling out' a groundbreaking decision to relocate the World Snooker Championship abroad in 2029. This potential move comes as Sheffield's iconic Crucible Theatre undergoes a major £45 million renovation project, which will temporarily displace the prestigious tournament from its long-standing home.
Sheffield Secures Long-Term Future Amid Temporary Disruption
Recent announcements have confirmed that Sheffield will remain the host city for the World Snooker Championship until at least 2045, solidifying its status as the heart of the sport. However, the venue will take a brief hiatus in 2029, and possibly 2030, to facilitate extensive upgrades. The renovation plans include expanding the Crucible's capacity by 500 seats, increasing it from just under 1,000 to accommodate more fans and enhance the spectator experience.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2028, necessitating a temporary relocation for the championship. While no destination has been officially confirmed, discussions are ongoing, with the UK being the most likely option due to the BBC's broadcasting contract, which runs until 2032. The broadcaster is reportedly hesitant about a move abroad, which could complicate scheduling across different time zones.
China Emerges as a Contender for the Temporary Host
Despite the preference for a UK-based venue, Hearn has explicitly not dismissed the possibility of moving the tournament to China, where snooker enjoys immense popularity. This season alone, China has hosted five professional events, plus one in Hong Kong, highlighting the country's growing influence in the sport. Hearn remarked, 'We haven't ruled that out yet. The numbers out there are absolutely rocking. I don't see that calming down. I see it growing.'
He emphasized the need for assurance that the move would be temporary, ideally limited to one year, citing concerns over construction delays. 'I'd like to be assured that it's only one year away from Sheffield. Because I don't know if you've ever had a builder around that's always a few days late. Well, I don't want it to be too many years late,' Hearn added, noting Sheffield's commitment to the project.
Potential UK Venues and Broader Snooker Developments
Within the UK, venues such as Alexandra Palace in London, currently home to the Masters, and Manchester Central, which will host the Tour Championship next week, have been suggested as possible alternatives. However, no final decision has been made, and an announcement is not expected imminently, with three more editions of the tournament scheduled at the Crucible before the temporary move.
Beyond the World Championship, snooker is expanding globally. The China Open is set to return to the calendar next season for the first time since 2019, expected to be a flagship event in China. Hearn is also in talks about a potential tournament in Qatar, though progress has been slow. 'It's been on the card for two years. These people don't rush, do they?' he said, referencing Qatari investors who own a stake in Matchroom.
Upcoming Events and Future Outlook
As the current season draws to a close, only two tournaments remain: the Tour Championship starting on Monday at Manchester Central, followed by the World Championship at the Crucible. Qualifying begins in Sheffield on April 6 at the English Institute of Sport, with the main stages running from April 18 to May 4.
This period of transition marks a significant moment for snooker, balancing tradition with innovation. While the Crucible's renovation promises a enhanced future for the venue, the potential 2029 move abroad could open new opportunities for the sport's global growth, reflecting Hearn's vision for an expanding international footprint.
