Barry Hearn has confirmed that the World Snooker Championship will remain at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre until at least 2045 after a new agreement with Sheffield City Council, backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The deal includes an option to extend the arrangement to 2050, securing the tournament's long-term future at the venue that has hosted it since 1977.

Hearn admitted he allowed sentiment to influence his decision, despite previously warning that the championship could move if improvements were not made. Crediting Steve Davis's 1981 title win at the Crucible with transforming his career and launching Matchroom into a global sports promotions company, Hearn said he felt a deep personal loyalty to the venue.

The agreement follows two years of negotiations and includes a £45 million redevelopment funded mainly by council and government sources. Renovations will expand tournament capacity by 500 seats and upgrade facilities throughout the theatre. The championship will temporarily relocate within the United Kingdom in 2029, and possibly 2030, while work is carried out.

Potential temporary hosts include Manchester and London's Alexandra Palace. Meanwhile, a decision has yet to be made on the future of the Saudi Arabia Masters event in Jeddah amid ongoing regional tensions.