The World Snooker Championship faces a potential move to Saudi Arabia as early as 2029, thanks to a clause in the Crucible Theatre’s latest agreement with the World Snooker Tour (WST).
Long-Term Deal with Temporary Exception
A recent agreement secures the iconic Sheffield venue as the championship’s home through the 2040s. This arrangement addresses concerns over relocation amid Saudi Arabia’s growing role in snooker. However, the deal includes a provision for a temporary departure after the 2028 event to allow renovations.
Crucible Renovation Plans
Plans outline a major refurbishment for the Crucible, featuring up to 500 additional seats in an ‘in the round’ configuration and upgraded spectator facilities. The agreement states: “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 a transformed Crucible.”
No specifics emerge on the interim location or duration, leaving flexibility for the WST to select a site. Saudi snooker officials stand poised to advocate for hosting rights during this period.
O’Sullivan Backs Saudi Option
Seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, a longtime Crucible critic, supports shifting the event. In 2024, he stated: “I don’t like the Crucible. I don’t think you can get in and out of it. I think definitely it’s a wise decision to take it away from Sheffield. Still have a tournament there. Why not? But just not the world championship over 17 days. It’s a massive circus and you need a massive space to accommodate it.”
“I think Saudi Arabia would be great. They’ve got the resources and would do it great. If you’re going to take it to China, you’d have to take it to Shanghai. Or another major city like Shenzhen or Guangzhou. It’d be done properly. Courtesy cars will be laid on. Food will be there. Hotels will be great. Everything would be paid for. Prize money would be astronomical.”
