The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s premier women’s-only professional tennis event and a WTA 500 tournament, is set to make a historic investment in its players. Beginning in 2026, the tournament will commit an unprecedented $2.5 million in total compensation, effectively doubling its 2025 offering. This includes a record $2.3 million in on-site prize money and an additional $200,000 dedicated to player benefits programs. This landmark decision positions Charleston as the first standalone WTA 500 event to proactively increase its prize money, marking a significant stride towards gender pay equality in professional tennis.
This major announcement follows Credit One Bank’s title partnership extension through 2031, which included a specific commitment to offer equal prize money starting in 2026. The bank’s decision underscores its dedication to investing in top-tier women athletes and further reinforces Charleston’s leading role on the WTA Tour.
Ben Navarro, Tournament Owner, emphasized the growing strength and value of women’s tennis: “Women’s tennis is delivering at a very high level right now, from the quality of competition to the engagement from fans, and this investment reflects that. Offering equal prize money is about respecting the players and the work they put in, and aligning the tournament with the value of the game.”
The 2026 prize pool of $2.5 million substantially exceeds the WTA Tour-wide minimum purse of $1,206,446 for a WTA 500 event. The $200,000 contribution to the Women’s Tennis Benefits Association (WTBA) will support crucial services for players, such as pension plans, health insurance, and subsidized college tuition through partnerships with the University of Florida and Indiana University East.
Amber Greenwalt, SVP, Brand and Advertising, Credit One Bank, highlighted the broader impact of this initiative: “As champions of fostering forward financial momentum and opportunity for all, our commitment to equal prize money for women marks an important milestone and sets the stage for what’s ahead in women’s tennis.”
The Charleston Open boasts a rich history of innovation within tennis. It was the first women’s tennis event to offer $100,000 in prize money in 1973 and the first to be broadcast live on network television. Its inaugural champion, Rosie Casals, received a then-record $30,000 payout for a woman. The tournament has also been recognized as the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for four consecutive years, as voted by players, and was a pioneer in introducing Electronic Line Calling Live on clay courts in 2025.
Madison Keys, 2019 Charleston Champion and WTA Players’ Council representative, praised the initiative: “It represents real progress for women’s tennis and shows how far the sport continues to grow. As players, we’re very fortunate to have a tournament and title sponsor who genuinely sees the value in women’s sports and are willing to lead by example.”
This move aligns with the WTA’s broader goal for equal prize money, with all 500-level standalone tournaments projected to achieve this by 2033.
The Credit One Charleston Open is scheduled for March 28 – April 5, 2026, at Credit One Stadium. Confirmed players include top American talents Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Emma Navarro, alongside Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic. The nine-day event features a 48-player singles draw, a 24-player qualifying draw, and a 16-player doubles draw, traditionally drawing over 90,000 attendees.
What They’re Saying:
- Portia Archer, WTA CEO: “Charleston’s 2026 financial commitment is an empowering statement about where our sport is headed. It represents a smart, strategic investment in the economic strength and future of the sport and highlights that investment in women’s tennis drives growth, opportunity, and value. We’re proud to see a tournament with such history take this important step forward.”
- Bob Moran, Credit One Charleston Open Tournament Director: “When we invest in players at this level, we’re investing in the collective future of the Tour, in opportunity, growth and the next generation of athletes who will shape the game. The changes happening today are creating a stronger foundation for what’s next, and the Credit One Charleston Open is proud to be part of that momentum.”
- Emma Navarro, World No. 18 and Charleston local: “Growing up in Charleston, this tournament has always meant so much to me. Seeing the Credit One Charleston Open take a historic step forward by offering equal prize money is a meaningful moment for our sport. It shows real leadership and a commitment to moving women’s tennis forward. I’m incredibly proud that my hometown tournament is setting the standard.”
- Jessica Pegula, a member of the WTA Players’ Council and the 2025 Charleston champion: “Seeing a tournament like Charleston commit to equal prize money matters. It shows that the work we put in and the level we compete at are being recognized. When tournaments continue to invest equally, it sends a clear message to current players and the next generation about where the sport is headed.”
- Venus Williams, Former World No. 1 and 2004 Charleston champion: “This is a huge moment for the legacy of our sport which sends a powerful message to the players, fans and the future of tennis. It shows real progress and a belief in the value of women’s sport.”
