We don’t hear too much when it comes to the top level executives of snooker. They mainly operate behind the scenes to make sure the tournaments and televised events that we watch run smoothly and cater to the audience/players. And on occasion, they appear to award a winner with their trophy and earnings at the closing ceremony of an event. Jason Ferguson and Barry Hearn are the names we hear most but what do they do exactly?
Although they work within the same sport, both chairmen work for differing organisations. Firstly, we have the WPBSA – World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association. The WPBSA is the sport’s governing body. They set the rules and regulations that need to be followed to ensure the protection of the integrity of snooker. They also settle any disputes that can arise between players or if the need arises, dispense disciplinary actions – which can happen in situations of disallowed match betting.
The WPBSA also aim to promote snooker to the general public and as well as act in the interests of the players. It was more formerly used as a players’ union but has since made strides in exposing the sport in different countries as well as setting up a number of initiatives to encourage participation. The board currently consists of Jason Ferguson (Chairman and former player), Ken Doherty (player); Mike Dunn (player); Peter Lines (player) and Nigel Mawer, (director).
Jason Fergusons role as Chairman is to effectively oversee the activities of the WPBSA. Since his (re)appointment in 2010, Ferguson has spread word on snooker and established relationships with governing bodies around the world, particularly China. He was also present during the major changes that occurred in 2010 – namely as World Snooker and WPBSA established distinct roles going forward. However, Ferguson remains a non-exec at World Snooker so that he can still put forward a significant voice relating to snookers commercial activities.
World Snooker was formerly completely owned by the WPBSA but in 2010, a controlling interest of 51% was taken over by Barry Hearn’s sports promotion company, Matchroom Sport. World Snooker is the commercial branch of the sport, tasked with organising and promoting all snooker events on a global scale. Since this change, snooker has seen its ranking events and prize money multiply tremendously. One of the most significant, recent impacts made by World Snooker was its involvement in keeping Sheffield and The Crucible home to the WSC until 2027.*
*This was originally written in October but during the UK Championship, it was announced that Saudi Arabia would be hosting a £2.5m prize funded ranking event where £500,000 will go to the winner.
Barry Hearn, similar to Ferguson, ensures the smooth running of World Snooker Limited. Even though he may not be as directly involved in the sport, considering his sports promotion empire, Hearn will often be involved in major contract negotiations with commercial partners and potential sponsors (like his attempts at getting snooker more involved in the Middle-East). Hearn aims to maximise snookers coverage through effective advertising and arranging tournaments that draw the biggest stars.
Despite seeming fairly similar, WPBSA and World Snooker have unique responsibilities. WPBSA concerns itself with the development of the sport while enforcing the governing rules set. They do not aim to profit, but with a 26% stake in World Snooker allows for reinvestment into WPBSA to further this goal. World Snooker is like any other profit-driven company but without significant interference from WPBSA on commercial matters, allowing them to operate efficiently. WPBSA can focus on improving the sport of snooker, while World Snooker emphasises their efforts on running the busy event-filled calendar.