The battle for snooker supremacy is intensifying as Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has extended its exclusive broadcasting rights to the World Snooker Tour across Europe. This continuation of a partnership, initially established in 2016, solidifies WBD’s position as the premier home for the sport on the continent.
The agreement encompasses comprehensive live coverage, ensuring fans across Europe can witness every crucial moment of the World Snooker Tour. WBD’s portfolio, including Eurosport, will provide multiple broadcast windows and coverage options, catering to a diverse audience of snooker enthusiasts. The specifics of the financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.
This news arrives on the heels of a thrilling 2025 World Snooker Championship final that saw Zhao Xintong face off against Mark Williams at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Xintong, aiming to become the first Chinese player to claim snooker’s most prestigious title, overcame his idol Ronnie O’Sullivan in a prior round. Williams, a three-time champion, at age 50 became the oldest player to reach the World Championship final, defeating world number one Judd Trump 17-14.
The 2025 final took place between and . Afternoon sessions began at 1 p.m. BST (8 a.m. ET, 5 a.m. PT, 8 p.m. CST in China, and 10 p.m. AEST in Australia), while evening sessions commenced at 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. PT, 2 a.m. CST in China, and 4 a.m. AEST in Australia).
For viewers in the UK, the BBC offered free coverage of the championship, while Discovery Plus provided comprehensive live coverage. In the United States, Matchroom was showing the tournament. Fans globally had access through WST Play, the official video and streaming platform of the World Snooker Tour. WST Play offers both live events and on-demand access to matches, as well as an archive of past competitions.
WST Play provides subscription options, with geographical restrictions applying to some live events due to existing broadcaster agreements. However, all regions can access matches 30 days after they are played, offering a catch-up opportunity for fans. Annual WST Play members receive exclusive benefits, including priority ticket access to UK events, free entry to UK qualifying events, and a 20% discount on hospitality at selected tournaments.
The extended partnership between WBD and the World Snooker Tour underscores the growing popularity of the sport and the demand for high-quality broadcasting. The availability of snooker on Eurosport and its associated streaming service, Discovery Plus, has been a key factor in attracting new fans and expanding the sport’s reach. The use of a VPN was suggested for viewers in locations where the match wasn’t directly available, highlighting the global interest in the championship.
The World Snooker Tour’s commitment to providing fans with multiple viewing options, through platforms like WST Play, BBC, Discovery Plus, and Matchroom, demonstrates a proactive approach to engaging with its audience. The availability of both live and on-demand content caters to different viewing preferences and time zones, ensuring that fans around the world can follow the action. The extension with WBD further strengthens this commitment, promising continued high-quality coverage of the World Snooker Tour for years to come.
The competition between Zhao Xintong and Mark Williams represented a compelling narrative. Xintong’s potential to become the first Chinese winner of the World Championship added a significant layer of intrigue, building on Ding Junhui’s appearance in the 2016 final. Williams’s remarkable run to the final at the age of 50 showcased his enduring skill and experience, challenging the dominance of younger players like Judd Trump.
WST Play, as the official streaming platform, continues to evolve, offering a comprehensive viewing experience for snooker fans. The platform’s features, including live streaming, on-demand access, and exclusive member benefits, are designed to enhance fan engagement and foster a loyal community. The ongoing development of WST Play is crucial to the World Snooker Tour’s long-term growth and sustainability.
