Saudi Millions Spark Snooker and Darts Prize Fund Explosion!

Barry Hearn, the Chairman of World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), has made a bold statement that the prize money for snooker and darts events could surpass that of a huge sport.

His vision is backed by significant investment from Saudi Arabia, marking what Hearn describes as a 'major event' in the rebirth of both sports.

Hearn's comments came as he discussed the impact of Saudi Arabia's growing involvement in various sports, including snooker and darts. With Qatar set to host the 2023 Snooker World Cup, and Saudi Arabia already hosting several high-profile events, Hearn believes this growing interest could bring a significant influx of cash into the prize pots of both sports.

The comments from Hearn also shed light on the ambitions of Saudi Arabia to host sports events and provide a platform for athletes to compete at the highest level. The Kingdom's 'Vision 2030', a long-term blueprint to move the country's economy away from oil, includes investment in sports and tourism.

Reports suggest that prize money for the World Darts Championship could reach as high as GBP10 million by 2025, with potential future collaborations with Saudi Arabia also in the pipeline. Furthermore, the PDC and WPBSA could secure long-term deals for multiple World Cups across Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, darts and snooker players welcomed Hearn's comments. They saw this as a step in the right direction to bring more money into the sport, improve the overall reputation of the sports, and attract new, increased audiences from the Saudi markets.

The influx of cash from Saudi Arabia could have a lasting impact on the future of snooker and darts. While it is still unclear whether these sports can overtake huge sports like tennis or the NBA, the financial backing they receive from Saudi Arabia could elevate their competitive stature to a whole new level.