Barry Hearn, founder and owner of Matchroom, believes in the commercial power of the World Snooker Tour (WST) and has confirmed a rise in prize money to £20 million for the next season, which marks the highest figure in its history. There have been rumors circulating that China and Saudi Arabia are being considered as potential destinations for a rival snooker tour, aiming to attract top players with the promise of substantial financial gain. Despite this, Hearn remains confident that the WST is where players should be. In an alternative offer for snooker players, a string of eight events with a guaranteed £350,000 prize is being presented.
The WST has relaxed rules in players’ contracts, allowing them to participate in events outside the main tour, as long as it does not clash with a main tour event. Hearn emphasized the importance of individual choice in deciding what’s best for themselves and their families. He expressed skepticism about the commercial value of breakaway tours, citing figures of guaranteed prize money that are lower than what top players could earn in the WST. Hearn also revealed plans for a new snooker event to be held in Qatar next year, adding to the ongoing discussions about potential rival tours in different parts of the world.
