Unibet will proceed as title accomplice of the British Open for a 3rd straight 12 months after renewing its settlement with the World Snooker Tour (WST) forward of the 2026 version of the match.
The 2026 Unibet British Open is scheduled to happen from August 31 to September 6 on the Centaur Area at Cheltenham Racecourse in Cheltenham, England. Unibet first partnered with WST for the occasion in 2024.
The upcoming match will probably be televised free-to-air within the UK by 5 for the primary time. The broadcaster started airing world rating snooker occasions this 12 months, together with the Gamers Championship and Tour Championship.
Along with UK protection, the British Open will probably be distributed internationally by a number of broadcast companions, together with WST PLAY.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Unibet group on the British Open for the third 12 months in a row,” mentioned Peter Wright, WST’s Chief Industrial Officer. “We admire Unibet’s rules of partaking followers in progressive methods, and their love of sport shines by the whole lot that they do.”
“Snooker is rising like by no means earlier than globally throughout broadcast, reside followers and digital audiences, and we work with companions who’re captivated with becoming a member of that journey,” Wright added. “The British Open is a spectacular occasion on our circuit, and alongside Unibet, we’re enthusiastic about giving followers an unimaginable expertise in Cheltenham.”
Unibet’s return as title accomplice
Underneath the deal, Unibet renews standing as title accomplice of snooker’s British Open for the third consecutive 12 months.
“We’re proud to proceed our partnership with the WST,” mentioned Sam Mead, UK Normal Supervisor at FDJ United, Unibet’s mum or dad firm.
“This match has a singular id inside snooker, with the joy of its Cup-style random draw creating memorable moments for followers,” mentioned Mead. “With its wealthy historical past and stellar discipline, the occasion is a improbable showcase for our ongoing dedication to the game.”
“At Unibet, we’re captivated with bringing audiences nearer to the sports activities they love, and we’re wanting ahead to a different thrilling week in Cheltenham that includes the world’s finest gamers,” Mead added.
Event discipline to be confirmed
The participant lineup has but to be finalized, although it’s anticipated to characteristic main opponents from the skilled circuit.
Shaun Murphy will return as defending champion after successful the 2025 title. His path to the trophy included victories over Neil Robertson, Judd Trump and Mark Selby earlier than defeating Anthony McGill 10-7 within the last.
“I am unable to wait to return to Cheltenham and try and defend the Clive Everton Trophy. It was a large win for me 12 months in the past, and I used to be delighted to beat some improbable gamers alongside the way in which. It’s nice to have Unibet on board once more for this 12 months’s occasion, and I am certain we’re in for an exhilarating seven days of snooker,” mentioned Murphy.
Different gamers who competed in final 12 months’s match included John Higgins, Mark Williams, Zhao Xintong, Kyren Wilson, Mark Allen and reigning world champion Wu Yize.
First staged in 1985, the British Open is thought for its random draw format, just like England’s FA Cup, which might produce high-profile matchups within the opening rounds.
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