Former world champion Shaun Murphy has revealed that professional snooker players have compiled a "list as long as your arm" of potential changes they wish to see implemented, following the establishment of a new players' body designed to give them a greater voice in the sport's governance.
The new organisation, named The Snooker Players Association (SPA), was formed in late 2023 by a group of leading players, including Murphy, Mark Allen, and Barry Hawkins, in response to long-standing frustrations with the sport's primary commercial arm, the World Snooker Tour (WST), and its parent company, Matchroom Sport.
A Collective Voice for Change
For years, the primary channel for player feedback was the WPBSA (World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association), which holds the dual role of being the sport's global governing body and a players' association. This structure led to perceived conflicts of interest, with many players feeling their commercial and scheduling concerns were not being adequately prioritised.
Murphy, the 2005 World Champion, articulated the widespread sentiment that led to the SPA's creation, stating, "There was a feeling among the playing body that we didn't have a voice, that we weren't being listened to. The WPBSA does a great job in many areas, but we felt we needed a separate, independent body solely focused on the players' commercial and working interests."
The SPA is modelled on similar successful associations in other sports, such as the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) and the Professional Cricketers' Association, aiming to provide dedicated representation in negotiations over prize money, tournament conditions, and the overall calendar.
The "Long List" of Player Grievances
While Murphy was careful not to disclose the entire list of proposed changes, he confirmed that it covers a vast range of issues affecting the tour's 130 professional players. The topics are wide-ranging, from fundamental financial structures to quality-of-life improvements for touring professionals.
He explained the collective ambition, saying, "We've been collating ideas and feedback from players across the tour, from the very top to those just starting out. The list is as long as your arm. It's about making the professional tour a better, fairer, and more sustainable place to make a living."
Based on player interviews and public statements, key areas of focus for the SPA's agenda are believed to include:
- Prize Money Distribution: A review of the prize money structure, with calls for a more equitable spread beyond the latter stages of major tournaments to assist lower-ranked players.
- Tournament Scheduling: Addressing a congested calendar, international travel logistics, and the frequency of "triple-squad" days where players must win multiple matches.
- Expenses and Staging: Negotiating better conditions at venues, including practice facilities, and potentially introducing a hardship fund or increased expense allowances for players who narrowly miss out on prize money.
- Commercial Growth: A collective desire to work with WST to explore new sponsorship opportunities and broadcasting deals to grow the overall financial pie.
The Clash Over the Macau Exhibition
The urgency for a unified players' body was highlighted by a recent dispute involving several top players, including world number one Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump. They were threatened with legal action by WST for opting to play in a lucrative exhibition event in Macau, which clashed with a scheduled WST tournament in Northern Ireland.
This incident underscored the tension between the tour's contractual obligations and players' desires to capitalise on independent earning opportunities. Murphy commented on the situation, noting, "It brought everything to a head. It showed a clear disconnect between what the players see as their commercial rights and what the tour expects. It's exactly the kind of issue the SPA is designed to address constructively."
The WST's Stance and Ongoing Dialogue
The WST has publicly stated that it is "open to dialogue" with the new players' association. In a recent statement, a WST spokesman said, "We have a strong relationship with the players and we are always willing to listen to their feedback. We look forward to engaging with the SPA to discuss ways we can continue to grow snooker together."
However, the path forward requires careful negotiation. The WST holds the commercial rights and is responsible for securing venues, sponsors, and broadcasters for the tour. Balancing player demands with the commercial realities of promoting a global sport presents a significant challenge for both parties.
A New Era for Player Power
The establishment of the SPA marks a potential turning point for professional snooker. For the first time in decades, the players have a formally organised body to collectively bargain on their behalf, separate from the sport's governance and commercial management.
Murphy expressed cautious optimism about the future, concluding, "This isn't about being confrontational. It's about partnership. We want to sit down with the WST and WPBSA with our list and work through it point by point. We believe a stronger, happier playing cohort will lead to a better product for the fans and a more prosperous sport for everyone involved."
The success of this new era of "player power" will ultimately be measured by the SPA's ability to translate its long list of desires into tangible improvements. The snooker world will be watching closely as the association begins its formal negotiations, a process that will likely shape the future trajectory of the professional game.
