World Snooker Championship to stay at the Crucible in Sheffield until at least 2045 in landmark deal
Published 24/03/2026 at 13:08 GMT
Thoughts?
The World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council have reached a deal that will see the World Championship remain at the Crucible theatre until 2045, with an option to extend to 2050. The agreement also includes upgrading the facilities at the Crucible in a move that will keep many of the top players on the tour happy, with reigning champion Zhao Xintong calling it ”the home of snooker.”
Watch in FULL as Un-Nooh makes 'genius' 147 in World Open final against O'Sullivan
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Crucible will continue to host snooker’s World Championship until 2045 with a deal being announced on Tuesday that keeps Sheffield at the forefront of the snooker calendar.
With more and more ranking events being hosted in the Middle East and in Asia, the deal means the biggest event of the year will remain at the historic venue - which itself will be getting a facelift in the coming years.
The World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council’s deal also includes an option to extend until 2050.
"I am so happy because I love the Crucible, it is a very special place and all Chinese players want to play there,” said current world champion Zhao Xintong.
”Sheffield has become my home in the UK and it is famous around the world as the home of snooker. I am so pleased that we are working together to keep the World Championship in the city."
"There is simply nowhere else like the Crucible or anywhere else that could replicate that atmosphere or the sense of history,” added Stephen Hendry, who won seven world titles, a record he still holds with Ronnie O’Sullivan.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/11/23/image-625a8183-4b26-4d92-a803-aa876f7a3750-85-2560-1440.png)
'I've never been driven by records' - O'Sullivan on surpassing Hendry's world titles tally
Video credit: TNT Sports
”It was always my favourite place to play and I still love going to Sheffield. I am thrilled that we are staying there long-term."
The deal includes revamping the Crucible’s facilities, including potentially adding up to 500 seats to create an ‘in the round’ viewing experience which means fans will surround 360 degrees of the two tables rather than the present set-up where only 75% of the arena has fans.
Set to celebrate its 50th anniversary of being held at the Crucible next year, the current deal was due to expire in 2027 - with the new agreement securing world-class sport for the city of Sheffield for decades to come.
- 'Scared' O'Sullivan makes World Championship U-turn - 'I felt like I would embarrass myself'
- Higgins to face Williams in heavyweight showdown at Tour Championship
”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,” said Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport.
”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 – the Crucible.
”My thanks must go to Sheffield City Council for all of their hard work in ensuring this great tournament remains at its spiritual home.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/03/22/image-4e3f2904-920a-4022-81a7-649ff86199b7-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
‘What a story’ - Un-Nooh 'stuns' O’Sullivan to become World Open champion
Video credit: TNT Sports
WST chairman Steve Dawson added his thanks to all parties involved in reaching the agreement - stating that he is pleased the ”wonderful relationship between snooker and Sheffield” will remain intact.
”I can imagine walking back into that arena as the planned transformation is delivered and seeing something even more fabulous,” he added.
This year’s tournament begins on April 18 with the final on May 3-4.
Watch and stream the 2025/26 snooker season, including the World Championship, live on TNT Sports.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement