Charleston Open to Match ATP 500 Prize Money by 2026

The Charleston Open has made history by becoming the first WTA 500 tournament to offer equal prize money to its ATP 500 counterpart, with the new prize structure set to begin in 2026. This initiative is part of a contract extension with Credit One Bank, which will remain the tournament's title partner through 2031, emphasizing the commitment to gender equity in sports. The tournament owner, Ben Navarro, highlighted the importance of recognizing women's achievements in tennis, stating that they deserve compensation reflective of their talent. The Charleston Open, known for its legacy and being the largest women's-only tennis tournament in North America, is leading the charge in bridging the prize money gap ahead of the WTA's 2033 deadline for parity across all events. With the total purse projected to exceed $2 million in 2026, this move is seen as a significant step towards equitable treatment of female athletes in professional sports. The tournament has garnered acclaim, being named the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for three consecutive years, which speaks to its growing prominence in the tennis world.