BBC Sport and World Snooker Tour Extend Broadcast Deal to 2032: What It Means for the Future of the Sport

The BBC and World Snooker Tour (WST) have reaffirmed their commitment to keeping snooker’s crown jewels on free-to-air television, announcing a five-year extension to their existing broadcast agreement. The new deal will see BBC Sport continue to broadcast live coverage of the World Championship, UK Championship, and The Masters until 2032, ensuring the Triple Crown remains accessible to millions of fans across the UK.

A Longstanding Partnership

Since 1969, BBC Sport has been synonymous with snooker, delivering the sport's most iconic moments to living rooms nationwide. The extended partnership solidifies the broadcaster’s role as a cornerstone of snooker’s presence on free-to-air television.

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, heralded the deal as “fantastic news for the audience,” highlighting the importance of maintaining the drama and prestige of the Triple Crown tournaments. 

Last year, BBC coverage of these events drew a combined 33.9 million streams on iPlayer and over 16 million television viewers, showcasing the sport's enduring appeal."

Steve Dawson, WST Chairman, emphasised the value of this partnership: “For more than 50 years, BBC has provided outstanding coverage of snooker, and keeping the biggest tournaments free-to-air is vital for the sport’s growth and accessibility.”

Putting Speculation to Rest?

The announcement also appears to address swirling speculation last year about a potential shift in the World Snooker Championship’s location. Rumors had suggested Saudi Arabia could bid to host the sport’s flagship event, with the Kingdom’s increasing interest in global sports investments. However, this long-term deal with the BBC seems to indicate that, for now, snooker’s Triple Crown will remain firmly rooted in the UK.

That said, the agreement doesn’t completely rule out a future Saudi involvement. 

While the World Championship seems safe under the BBC’s stewardship, questions about venue location remain. With growing calls to expand beyond the historic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, larger venues in London or Manchester could be considered to accommodate increasing fan demand and elevate the spectacle.

Maintaining Tradition While Growing the Sport

World Champion Kyren Wilson underscored the significance of the deal for younger generations, noting how free-to-air coverage inspired his own snooker journey. “It’s fantastic to see this deal extended,” he said.

“It’s so important for young people getting into snooker that the Triple Crown events remain accessible. The BBC does an amazing job, and I’ve even enjoyed contributing to their commentary team.”

Wilson’s sentiments are echoed by WST Chief Commercial Officer Peter Wright, who praised the “extremely strong” viewing figures during this week’s Masters tournament at Alexandra Palace.

The Road Ahead

While this deal strengthens snooker’s foundations in the UK, the sport’s global ambitions remain a topic of discussion. WST continues to explore ways to grow its international footprint, and such partnerships with Saudi Arabia and China will continue to flourish in other formats and events.

For now, the focus will be on celebrating the legacy of snooker’s Triple Crown tournaments and ensuring they continue to deliver world-class drama to audiences across the UK. Whether at the Crucible or in a larger venue, the World Championship will remain one of sport’s most cherished spectacles, and this deal ensures that millions of fans will continue to watch it unfold on their screens.

A Win for Snooker Fans

The extension of the BBC-WST agreement is undoubtedly a victory for snooker fans, preserving the sport’s accessibility and rich tradition while leaving the door open for innovation and growth in the years ahead. For a sport deeply rooted in its heritage, this balance of stability and ambition feels like the perfect frame.