BetFred Extends Snooker Sponsorship Coverage

Like all sports, snooker has had to be patient in returning to action but the wait has been worth it. Rather than cancel the World Championships which were originally scheduled to start in April, the sport’s governing body chose to postpone the event and it paid off.

Despite the lack of spectators until the very final two days, the tournament was a thriller and it was, perhaps, fitting that the most exciting player in the sport returned to the top. Ronnie O’Sullivan lifted the crown for the sixth time with a comfortable victory over Kyren Wilson in the final.

Sponsors BetFred were clearly delighted to have been behind the event and, a recent news announcement confirms that the sportsbook is going to be around for a little while longer.

Backing the Pack

It’s been confirmed that BetFred have extended their title sponsorship of the event until at least 2022. Exact details of the new deal have been a little sketchy but it’s clear that there must be an option to extend that agreement even further. The operator first became involved with snooker’s biggest tournament back in 2009 so this is one of the longest contracts of its kind.

The paperwork was completed on the final day of the 2020 World Championship and both parties are delighted to get the extension over the line.

Calling for the Extension

BetFred co-owner Fred Done was the first to express his excitement at the new deal:

I’m delighted to extend my association with the World Snooker Championship and I would like to take this opportunity to thank WST, the Crucible, BBC, Eurosport and especially the players for putting this event on in such challenging times.

Barry Hearn

In response, Barry Hearn, the Chairman of WST added:

We have worked with Betfred on the World Championship for many years and we are delighted to extend the agreement. Over that time it has developed into a truly global event with a vast audience, and its reach continues to grow. More and more fans in an increasing number of countries tune in each year to watch history in the making.

This year’s Championship has been one of the best. We look forward to working with the fantastic Betfred team for many years to come.

Some 300 people were allowed into the Crucible in Sheffield for the final frames of the 2020 tournament. While a loss of revenue was inevitable, the entertainment on the tables was no less exciting. In a difficult time, the return of the tournament gave TV viewers a huge boost and it reaffirmed the fact that snooker is in a better place than it’s ever been.

By committing to a sponsorship programme for another two years at least, BetFred continue to show vital backing for an event and a sport that needs that regular income. It’s a really positive piece of news as sport continues to make a tentative return and we must all hope that the 2021 World Snooker Championship is played out to a regular packed crowd at the Crucible.