That was the message from World Snooker chief executive Jim McKenzie today after the BBC had given public backing to the professional game's governing body. McKenzie is delighted that the BBC have gone on record as saying they will fulfil their obligations under a new six-year contract with World Snooker and want to build on a relationship going back more than 30 years. He believes that is a compelling reason for the players to stay with World Snooker and reject a rival tour being set-up by The Sportsmasters Network. That's why the new six-year contract we have signed with the BBC is so important to the future of the sport.
Television coverage guarantees exposure for players.
If you take away this exposure, players' personal image rights will be greatly devalued and they will lose their sponsors. Without the BBC deal, professional snooker will not attract new sponsors. Without new sponsors, the sport will not move forward. The new contract not only guarantees 210 hours of coverage on BBC1 and BBC2 but also includes a marketing strategy to regenerate the sport. TSN have already stated that without terrestrial TV coverage, their tour will not succeed.