Betfred extends World Championship snooker deal
New deal runs until 2019, recent tournament watched by TV audience of more than 300 million
Betfred has extended its sponsorship of snooker’s World Championship for a further two years with the news coming just days after television viewing figures for this year’s event were revealed to be in excess of 300 million.
The tournament, which is staged at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, will now be called the Betfred World Championship until at least 2019 – the current deal with World Snooker had been due to expire next year.
The Championship, which was won by world number one Mark Selby (pictured) on Monday evening, was watched by more than 300 million worldwide, with 210 million tuning in from China following the run of local hero Ding Junhui to the final.
A spokesperson for Betfred declined to comment on whether the firm had attracted any traffic from China as a result of its exposure in the country.
“After a terrific tournament this year I am delighted to be extending our relationship with the World Championship for a further two years,” Fred Done, Betfred owner, said.
“Our association with this blue riband event is now until at least 2019. I am already looking forward to next year’s Championship when we will be celebrating 40 years at the Crucible,” he added.
Betfred has a long running association with the World Championship having sponsored the event between 2009 and 2012 before signing the now extended three-year deal in 2015.
“We are thrilled to have the support from Betfred until at least 2019, they are a fantastic sponsor and a great team to work with,” Barry Hearn, World Snooker chairman, said.
“This year’s Championship generated incredible viewing figures across the globe and set new records at the box office,” he added.