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The 2026 Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis event, will award a record $2.5 million to players—$2.3 million in prize money and $200,000 toward player benefits—doubling its 2025 investment and making Charleston the first standalone WTA 500 to proactively boost its purse.
This milestone comes after Credit One Bank extended its title sponsorship through 2031 and committed to equal prize money starting in 2026, reflecting a strong belief in supporting women athletes at the highest level.
“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,” said tournament owner Ben Navarro. “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.”
Charleston’s total player payout far exceeds the WTA 500 minimum of $1,206,446, offering $2.3 million on-court and $200,000 through the Women’s Tennis Benefits Association for pensions, health care, and educational programs.
Innovation has always been part of Charleston’s legacy. In 1973, it was the first women’s tournament to offer $100,000 in prize money and broadcast live on network TV. The inaugural champion, Rosie Casals, received a check for $30,000, which was the largest prize money payout awarded to a woman that year. More recently, Charleston has been named WTA 500 Tournament of the Year four years running and became the first WTA clay event to use Electronic Line Calling Live in 2025.
“The Credit One Charleston Open offering equal prize money is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Madison Keys, 2019 Charleston Champion and WTA Players’ Council representative. “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 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,” Venus Williams commented.
The Credit One Charleston Open is set for March 28–April 5, 2026, at Credit One Stadium, with a star-studded field already confirmed, including top American players Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Emma Navarro, alongside Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic.
