Barry Hearn has again put pressure on Sheffield City Council to produced the funds to keep the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre.

The current deal to stay at the iconic venue ends in 2027, with the World Championship having been staged at the venue every year since 1977.

Most people would prefer to see the blue-riband tournament’s partnership with the Crucible extend beyond 50 years.

But the World Snooker Tour has aspirations to grow the sport and has reservations about staging its flagship event in an arena that houses less than 1,000 people.

Discussions have been ongoing to come up with a solution, but WST supremo Barry Hearn has expressed his frustration with how long the process is taking.

“I think I want to know by the end of this current year,” Barry Hearn told Metro Sport while also admitting that he is unhappy with how the discussions are going.

“Because plans have got to be put in place based on what we decide. I haven’t heard enough about it.”

“I’m having a meeting with Sheffield Council in early May. I wait to hear what they’re saying.

“The clock is ticking. I don’t know if people think I’m bluffing. It would be a bad move if they did.

“I’m hoping they give me a plan that ticks my boxes, and that is the improvement of facilities for players and spectators and the bigger number of seats to cope with the demand.

“Obviously, we run a commercial business, we’ve got to maximise revenue. We’ve just doubled the prize money in darts.

“It will only be a matter of time until the snooker boys say, ‘what about us?’ I’ll say, ‘while I’ve only got 900 tickets to sell, it’s a long old struggle, mate.’

“We’ve taken the prize money from £3.5m to £20m in snooker. In darts, it’s just gone past £25m, and the two of them are quite competitive.

“Sky’s deal with darts showed me the respect I was looking for, and we managed to add £7m-£8m of prize money.

“Snooker is in the same position as far as Sheffield is concerned. Show me that you respect what we’ve built, don’t take us for granted.

“Every relationship, whether it’s husband and wife or site fee and promoter, relies on not taking people for granted.

“I understand Sheffield want to keep it, I’d like to stay in Sheffield. Show me the money. It’s pretty basic.”

Hearn also again didn’t rule out that the World Snooker Championship could be moved outside the United Kingdom in the future.

China and Saudi Arabia have staged some of the most lucrative events on the calendar in recent years and may be interested in expanding their profile within the game.

The renewal of BBC’s partnership with the sport would indicate, however, that the World Championship is likely to stay in the UK until at least 2032.

Earlier this year, WST announced that the BBC had signed a new five-year agreement to broadcast the prestigious Triple Crown events until 2032.

That includes the World Championship in addition to the UK Championship in York and the Masters in London.

The most recent comments from Barry Hearn, meanwhile, contradict a joint statement released by Sheffield City Council and WST on the eve of this year’s tournament.

“Sheffield loves snooker,” read the statement on behalf of World Snooker Tour, Sheffield City Council, and Sheffield Theatres two weeks ago.

“Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Theatres, and World Snooker Tour have been working together, along with the BBC and partners across the city, to make the 2025 World Championship the best yet.”

“We can’t wait to welcome the snooker world back to the iconic Crucible theatre this month.

“Sheffield City Council, World Snooker Tour, and Sheffield Theatres are longstanding partners.

“Over the last 12 months we have had constructive conversations, with national Government, and key partners, about the World Snooker Championship beyond 2027.

“Due to the sensitive and commercial nature of these ongoing discussions, no announcement on the future of the Championship will be made by Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Theatres, or World Snooker Tour during this year’s event.

“When we can share more information with the millions of snooker fans around the world, and with the people of Sheffield, we will provide an update.”

Featured photo credit: WST