It’s official: snooker fans in the UK have a new reason to celebrate! ITV Sport Production has sealed a groundbreaking agreement with Channel 5 to bring World Snooker Tour (WST) events back to free-to-air television for the first time in over two decades. This marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting, with the Players Championship and Tour Championship airing live early in 2026.
A New Era for Snooker
For years, snooker has struggled to find a home on free television, leaving fans yearning for more accessible coverage. Now, that longing has come to an end. Channel 5’s venture into live snooker coverage ensures that viewers can engage with the thrilling excitement of the Players Championship, Tour Championship, and the iconic British Open without any subscription barriers. As stated in IBC.org, this collaboration revives a connection between snooker enthusiasts and the sport’s captivating tournaments.
Behind the Scenes: ITV’s Strategic Expansion
This isn’t just a win for snooker; it’s a strategic leap for ITV Sport Production. Since its integration into ITV Studios’ production and distribution division in 2024, this is the company’s first venture outside the ITV network. The collaboration with Channel 5 embodies ITV Sport Production’s ambition to diversify their content delivery across different platforms, demonstrating a bold step away from their traditional ITV stronghold.
Expert Coverage with a Familiar Face
Sports coverage is only as good as its presenters and ITV has this covered. With Katie Shanahan at the helm, supported by the renowned seven-time world champion, Stephen Hendry, the broadcasts promise to offer insights and commentary that deepen the viewing experience. Together, they will serve up an expert blend of analysis and on-the-spot coverage, ensuring snooker aficionados miss none of the gripping action.
Voices from the Top
“We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with Channel 5, a venture that harnesses our expertise into producing live, captivating sporting events for free-to-air audience,” said Mark Demuth, Managing Director of ITV Sport Production. His sentiments were echoed by Raphael Pendergast, the Acting Head of Sport at Channel 5, who articulated their shared vision of delivering top-tier sports accessibility.
Building Bigger Bridges
The snooker partnership marks just the beginning of ITV Sport Production’s expansion. With new alliances and ongoing contract renewals like their recent deal with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) that extends until 2028, the future is bright for ITV Sport.
This collaboration not only rekindles a nostalgic bond with snooker but also sets a precedent for future broadcasting ventures. Stay tuned for more sports like you’ve never seen them before!
