Sheffield is considered a grey, working-class city in the north of England. Now it's also in danger of losing the Snooker World Championship

"Sheffield loves snooker" can be read on posters, signs, and stickers almost everywhere in the city center. This is how the gray, working-class city in the north of England wants to express its appreciation for the Snooker World Championship, which is held in its own theater, the Crucible.

The World Cup ends on Monday with the final between China's Zhao Xintong and Welshman Mark Williams. The tournament is the biggest attraction in Sheffield, drawing 12,000 visitors and generating £4.5 million (CHF 5.3 million) annually for the cash-strapped local government. Sheffield residents are proud of the World Cup; it's practically indispensable, because without it, they would hardly get any attention.

However, Sheffield could soon lose the prestigious World Championship event. Barry Hearn, president of his own marketing agency Matchroom, which largely organizes and controls professional snooker, recently lobbied against an extension of the contract with the city, which expires in 2027.

The 76-year-old criticized the facilities of the venerable Crucible, which has hosted the World Cup continuously since 1977, as no longer fit for purpose. He called on the other side to show more respect and to take account of the changing circumstances.

Essentially, it's about the future direction of the game of snooker. Even a sport that demands calm, precision, and concentration is affected by the grueling dichotomy between tradition and commercialization. Since the World Championship is the annual highlight of the snooker calendar, Hearn wants to monetize the event . Unlike most organizations that govern a sport, Matchroom does not have traditional federation structures but is a commercial entity. Its portfolio includes not only snooker but also darts, which has experienced a tremendous upswing thanks to clever marketing.

The differences also affect the capacity of the Crucible, which can accommodate no more than 980 spectators. This capacity limits revenue from ticketing, merchandising, and catering. According to Matchroom, between 2,500 and 3,000 tickets could be sold for most of the 43 match sessions over the two weeks of the tournament.

The issue is clear, Hearn explained bluntly: It's obviously about money, and the financial aspects must be taken into account. Currently, he believes, we're "starving." Hearn's typically sharp language is intended to put pressure on Sheffield and force it to back down.

One solution would be to renovate and expand the Crucible—although the city of Sheffield certainly couldn't bear the costs alone. The venue is usually used for theater performances and will be closed during the World Championship. While a complete renovation would also benefit Sheffield residents, it seems questionable whether there is any demand for it outside of snooker matches. China and Saudi Arabia are putting forward tempting offers as alternatives to Sheffield for the future World Championship host role.

Any additional proceeds will be used to increase the prize money for the players. Currently, the World Championship payout is 2.4 million pounds, of which the winner receives half a million. Hearn envisions the world champion receiving double that amount from now on. This should encourage young talent to pursue a career in snooker.

The Darts World Championship serves as a model, with nearly five million pounds being distributed for the first time starting in the next edition due to an expanded field of participants. The sport gained in importance when the World Championship venue changed: In 2008, the event moved from the Circus Tavern on the outskirts of London to the much larger and more centrally located Alexandra Palace. There, approximately 3,000 spectators can be accommodated. There are now even considerations of moving to an even larger venue or possibly even moving the World Championship abroad.

The location issue has led to differing opinions within the snooker community. On the one hand, players and fans value the history of the Crucible, which is considered the spiritual home of snooker. The limited space of the venue creates a special atmosphere, allowing spectators to experience the protagonists in a way that is closer to almost any other sport. Hearn shares this view, consistently expressing his personal connection to the Crucible.

On the other hand, the building's sometimes dilapidated condition and its lack of marketability are equally evident. A World Cup participant complained last year about the bad smell and that the practice room resembled a garage.

Last Thursday, representatives from Matchroom and Sheffield Council met for conciliation talks. Hearn reported that he believed a compromise could be reached, allowing the Snooker World Championship to remain at the Crucible.

He is pinning his hopes on the support of the British government, which he believes should be addressed. The parties plan to meet again in three months to discuss the proposals. The news platform "Sheffield Tribune" commented that the "snooker psychodrama" must stop because the "annual 'will they, won't they' debate" is wearing everyone down in Sheffield.