The World Snooker Championship will remain at its established home of the Crucible Theatre in the English city of Sheffield until at least 2045 after a new agreement was struck between the World Snooker Tour (WST) and the local council.
The new deal agreed with the Sheffield City Council includes an option to extend to 2050.
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The Crucible has been home to snooker’s showpiece event since 1977 and will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the iconic venue next year.
There were, however, doubts over whether a new hosting agreement would be reached, with the WST feeling slightly limited by the venue only holding 980 spectators.
With the organizer seeking bigger audiences and higher prize money for its biggest events, there was a threat that the World Championship could have been moved at the end of the Crucible’s current contract in 2027.
But today’s extended deal came with a separate announcement that plans are being put in place to develop the Crucible, with the venue set to undergo a major refurbishment, including the potential to add up to 500 additional seats, alongside other significant improvements such as enhanced spectator facilities.
The championship will continue to be staged at the Crucible in its current design through to 2028. During the planned redevelopment period, the event is expected to be hosted temporarily at an alternative venue before returning to the redeveloped Crucible.
WST chairman Steve Dawson said: “This is the news that players and fans around the world have been waiting and hoping for. It comes following years of close negotiation with Sheffield City Council and the UK government, and we are delighted to have reached this far‑reaching agreement.
“I would like to thank our partners as we have shared a vision which continues the wonderful relationship between snooker and Sheffield.”
Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport, added: “For over 50 years, I have been promoting sport all over the world, but no venue on this planet means more to me than the Crucible. I am so happy that after a long period of meetings and discussions, we have finally agreed a deal to stage the World Championship at its historic home.”
This year’s World Championship runs from April 18 to May 4, with the world’s top 16 players and 16 qualifiers competing for snooker’s biggest trophy and a prize of £500,000.
