The iconic white snooker ball will be replaced by one of a neon green colour at the World Snooker Championship next month – although it is unclear whether the announcement is real.
The World Snooker Tour (WST) revealed the news on Monday, suggesting the new colour of the ball would be paying homage to Midnite, the official betting partner for the tournament.
This would be the first time the white ball wouldn’t be used in the history of snooker, and it will also have an ‘M’ emblazoned on it.
However, supporters were left unconvinced, with the timing of the announcement coming less than 24 hours before April Fools’ Day.
One said: ‘Might have been somewhat believable if you’d used a colour other than what’s already used on an object ball.’
Another added: ‘You’ve gone a day early fellas’, before a further fan said: ‘It’s not April Fool’s yet. But very convincing delivery by Kyren I must say.’
The iconic white snooker ball will be replaced by one of a neon green colour at the World Snooker Championship – although fans are unconvinced (pictured – snooker star Kyren Wilson)
World No 2 Kyren Wilson, winner of the 2026 Masters, was involved in the bizarre announcement as he said: ‘I honestly think it’s a fantastic step forward for snooker.
‘The idea of the white ball turning Midnite neon green might sound bold at first, but that’s exactly what our sport needs right now – something that grabs attention and gets people talking.
‘We’ve got such a proud history, especially at the World Snooker Championship, but evolution is key if we want to keep growing and bringing in a new generation of fans.’
He continued: ‘From a player’s perspective, it’ll be really interesting as well.
‘The visuals are such a big part of how we read the game, so having that bright green cue ball under the lights at the Crucible could actually enhance our game.
‘You’ve got to be open-minded about these changes. If it helps showcase the sport in a new way and makes people stop and watch, then that’s a win for everyone.
‘Personally, I’m really excited by it. I think it could give the whole championship a fresh energy and create something quite iconic in its own right.’
Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiard and Snooker Association hailed the ‘innovation’ and suggested that fans and players ‘will love this new cue ball’.
Peter Wright, WST’s Chief Commercial Officer, added that the move could ‘change the dynamic of the game and enhance the viewing experience for fans’.
Snooker fans are likely to find out on Wednesday whether in fact this was all a ruse by sponsors.
