John Higgins Leads Launch of Independent Players Association

John Higgins, the four-time world snooker champion, has been named Director and Chairman of the newly-formed Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA).

What happened?

The PSPA was launched to give players a stronger voice in the commercial direction of the sport. The association includes notable players such as Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby. Ronnie O'Sullivan, Ding Junhui, and Xiao Guodong have also signed up as members.

Why it matters for John Higgins

Higgins stated that the sport deserves a strong, independent players' association that stands for fairness, transparency, and progress. The PSPA aims to have a collaborative relationship with snooker's governing bodies.

What comes next?

The association seeks to work closely with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and World Snooker. As of August 6, 2025, the PSPA has begun its mission to support players. The PSPA's launch is a significant development in the world of snooker. John Higgins' leadership role is expected to bring about positive changes. The association's goals include providing a full suite of support mechanisms for players. Higgins emphasized the importance of true independence in commercial negotiations and agreements. The PSPA's formation is a result of players feeling they do not have a large enough voice in the sport. The association's media release stated that players want a stronger say in the governance of snooker. The launch of the PSPA is a major step forward for players in the sport.