The World Snooker Championship faces a potential shift to Saudi Arabia as early as 2029, thanks to a clause in the Crucible Theatre’s renewal deal with the World Snooker Tour (WST).

A new agreement secures the iconic Sheffield venue as the tournament’s home through at least the 2040s. This arrangement follows growing speculation about relocating the event amid Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in snooker. While the deal reassures many fans, a key provision allows a temporary relocation after the 2028 edition for venue renovations.

Refurbishment Plans and Temporary Venue

The agreement outlines major upgrades to the Crucible, including up to 500 extra seats in an ‘in the round’ setup and improved spectator amenities. It states: “Plans are being developed to transform the Crucible Theatre, with the sport’s most famous venue set to benefit from a major refurbishment.”

The Championship remains at the Crucible in its current form until 2028. During redevelopment, officials expect to host the event at an alternative site before its return to the revamped theatre. No specifics emerge on the temporary location or duration.

Saudi Arabia as a Likely Option

This flexibility enables the WST to select any suitable venue, positioning Saudi snooker authorities to bid for the event. Saudi leaders have ramped up investments in the sport, making their proposal compelling.

Such a move aligns with views from Ronnie O’Sullivan, a vocal critic of the Crucible. O’Sullivan, who has advocated for relocation, stated in 2024: “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.”

He added: “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.”