Hearn ‘a little more hopeful’ over Crucible future

The deadline for a final decision will be in December, according to Barry Hearn, who has spoken with Sheffield City Council about the World Snooker Championship staying at the Crucible after 2027.

The Sheffield Theatre, which has hosted the blue-riband snooker event since 1977, has a two-year contract expiring.

Hearn, 76, the president of Matchroom Sport, has repeatedly demanded a larger financial commitment and improved facilities at the venue. Hearn, 76, is heavily involved in future negotiations.

Hearn told BBC Radio 5 Live, “We all want to stay here, but it has to be a combination.”

After meeting Sheffield Council, I saw a little more optimism: I believe there is more than enough chance that we will stay here.

By the end of the year, Sheffield has a lot of ideas, we’re meeting in three months, and we’re sticking to an idea.

“We need two years to get it planned properly if we do move, and it’s not something we want to do,” I keep saying.

The Crucible’s 980-seat capacity, which restricts ticket sales and overall revenue, has long been perceived as a problem for the sport, especially in light of player efforts to raise prize money.

Hearn claims the tournament will sell out with larger capacity increases in other significant British cities like Glasgow, Manchester, and London, in part because China and Saudi Arabia have been linked to bids to stage it.

The Saudi Arabia Masters will also be offering the top prize of $500, 000 this year to the world champion.

Additionally, he noted that the PDC World Darts Champion will raise £1 million next year.

Hearn also emphasized that growth and more money are not necessarily related to one factor alone in a place where he has a long history of attachment.

When Steve Davis won the World Championship at the Crucible in 1981, “my life changed.” He continued, “I’ve been here every year for the past 48 years.”

“Our history is here, our life is here, and we have hearts.” On both sides, I believe there is room for compromise, and we can work together to maintain the event while also providing much-needed funding for players’ return.