LONDON — Snooker legend John Higgins has hailed the formation of a new independent players' association as a pivotal moment for the sport, declaring it will give professionals "a stronger voice" in shaping the future of snooker. The association, officially launched this week, aims to represent the interests of top players in discussions with governing bodies and tournament organizers.
A Unified Front for Player Representation
The newly established World Snooker Players Association (WSPA) marks a significant shift in how players engage with the sport's administration. Higgins, who serves as chairman, emphasized that the organization will ensure players have a direct say in key decisions affecting their careers. "For too long, players have felt their concerns weren’t being heard. This changes that," he said in an exclusive interview.
The WSPA has already garnered support from several high-profile players, including Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Mark Selby. Its primary objectives include:
- Negotiating fairer prize money distribution
- Improving tournament scheduling and conditions
- Advocating for player welfare and mental health support
Addressing Long-Standing Concerns
Higgins highlighted that the association was born out of frustration over unresolved issues, such as the disparity in earnings between top-ranked players and those lower down the rankings. "The sport is growing, but not everyone is benefiting equally. We need to make sure the rewards are shared more fairly," he explained.
Prize Money and Tournament Structure
One of the WSPA’s key priorities is renegotiating prize money structures. While major tournaments like the World Championship offer substantial payouts, smaller events often leave lower-ranked players struggling to cover expenses. Higgins noted, "If we want to attract and retain talent, we need to ensure players at all levels can make a living."
Player Welfare and Mental Health
The association also plans to introduce mental health initiatives, recognizing the pressures of professional snooker. Recent years have seen players like Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy speak openly about burnout and anxiety. "The tour can be grueling, and we need better support systems in place," Higgins added.
Collaboration with World Snooker Tour
Despite its independent status, the WSPA aims to work collaboratively with the World Snooker Tour (WST). Higgins stressed that the association is "not about confrontation, but about constructive dialogue." WST chairman Steve Dawson welcomed the initiative, stating, "We look forward to engaging with the WSPA to further develop the sport."
A New Era for Snooker
The formation of the WSPA follows similar moves in other sports, such as tennis’ PTPA and golf’s LIV Golf-backed player groups. Higgins believes this is a necessary step to modernize snooker. "Players deserve a seat at the table. This association ensures their voices won’t be ignored," he concluded.
With the backing of some of the sport’s biggest names, the WSPA is poised to become a major force in snooker’s governance. As Higgins put it, "This is just the beginning. The best is yet to come."
