THE BBC have announced they have agreed a deal to show Triple Crown snooker events until 2032.
Presenter Hazel Irvine made the announcement during The Masters final at Ally Pally.
The Masters is one third of the Triple Crown along with the UK Championship and the World Snooker Championship.
The BBC has broadcast snooker since 1969 and the five-year agreement means it will remain free-to-air for fans.
Last year, BBC Sport’s coverage of the Triple Crown events had 33.9 million streams across BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and over 16m tuning in on TV.
Announcing the news, Hazell during the Masters final: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the BBC has extended its contract for broadcast rights to the Triple Crown events with World Snooker until 2032 which is wonderful news.
“It does mean you will be able to see these brilliant and dramatic events on terrestrial television, free-to-air at the UK Championship, Masters Championship and World Championship for another five years.”
Asked about one of the longest-standing sports broadcasting partnerships, Stephen Hendry said: “It’s fantastic news. I grew up watching snooker at the beginning of the BBC and to see it carry on and on is fantastic news for fans who love to watch snooker.”
Steve Davis added: “It is fantastic news, it shows you how popular it is in the UK.
“But I think one of the reasons also is how popular it is worldwide now.
“This is a incredible sport and who is to say one day it won’t make the Olympics.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport said: “Snooker has been a cornerstone of BBC Sport programming since 1969, and extending our partnership with World Snooker until 2032 is fantastic news for the audience.
“It ensures the drama, intensity and excitement of the Triple Crown events remains free-to-air and we look forward to many more years of iconic sporting moments.”
