Credit One Enhances Charleston Title Rights: A Bold Commitment to Equal Prize Money
H2: A Historic Partnership Redefining Tennis Sponsorships
CHARLESTON, S.C. – In a monumental move for gender equality in sports, Credit One Bank has announced the extension of its title partnership with the Credit One Charleston Open through 2031. This revitalized partnership also brings with it the thrilling news that starting in 2026, players will receive equal prize money—a landmark decision that reinforces Charleston’s position as a trailblazer on the Hologic WTA Tour.
H3: The Significance of Equal Prize Money in Tennis
The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament, is making waves as the first standalone WTA 500 tournament to voluntarily commit to equal pay well ahead of the 2033 deadline mandated for all WTA events. This bold initiative sets a precedent in the world of women’s sports, showcasing how corporate responsibility can pave the way for much-needed change.
H4: Quotes that Inspire Change
“This extension of our sponsorship and commitment to equal prize money embodies our dedication to gender equality in sports,” stated Amber Greenwalt, Senior Vice President of Brand and Advertising at Credit One Bank. “Just as the Credit One Charleston Open has made strides in empowering women’s tennis since 1973, Credit One is dedicated to championing progress and opportunity in financial journeys. We’re enthusiastic to see that the winner of next year’s tournament will be compensated equally with their male counterparts in similar tournaments.”
Ben Navarro, the owner of the Credit One Charleston Open, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the tournament’s mission to create a more inclusive environment. "Providing equal prize money in 2026 is not just a goal; it’s a commitment towards a fairer future for tennis,” he said, underscoring the importance of leading by example for future generations.
H3: A Legacy of Innovation and Progress
The Credit One Charleston Open boasts a rich history of breaking barriers in tennis. In 1973, it became the first women’s tennis event to award $100,000 in prize money, and it was also the first to be broadcast live on network television. The tournament’s inaugural champion, Rosie Casals, received an impressive check for $30,000, the largest payout for a woman in that year.
For the 2025 tournament, the prize money will be $1,064,510. However, in a noteworthy shift to ensure parity, the purse for 2026 will not only be increased to match the ATP 500 tournaments, which typically offer upwards of $2 million in prize money, but the exact amount will ultimately depend on the official prize money figures released for the 2026 season.
H3: Celebrating Continuous Growth and Impact
Navarro further highlighted the significance of the Credit One Charleston Open’s influence on women’s sports. “With attendance records exceeding 90,000 and 26 million international television viewers, we don’t just celebrate our legacy; we are actively shaping the future of women in sports,” he emphasized, reflecting the tournament’s role as a catalyst for change.
H2: The Future of the Credit One Charleston Open
The Credit One Charleston Open is set to kick off the clay season on the Hologic WTA Tour and has been named the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for three consecutive years—a testament to its excellence and appeal. The tournament, spanning nine days, features a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 28 players, and a doubles draw of 16 players.
H3: Enhancing the Fan Experience
Managed by Charleston Tennis, LLC, the Credit One Stadium underwent significant renovations in 2022, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and athletes alike. With financial backing from Ben and Kelly Navarro, the upgrades ensure that Charleston continues to host world-class athletes and events in a state-of-the-art venue.
H2: A Pioneer for Women’s Sports Since 1973
The Credit One Charleston Open has long been a beacon of advancement for women’s professional sports. Initially launched on Hilton Head Island, the tournament relocated to Charleston in 2001 and is now hosted at the LTP Daniel Island tennis center, home to the prestigious Credit One Stadium.
As the tournament gets set for a future marked by equality and innovation, the Credit One Charleston Open stands as a symbol of progress for female athletes. With the commitment to equal prize money leading the way, it’s clear that the future of women’s tennis is bright, inclusive, and filled with opportunity.
By fostering this spirit of change, Credit One Bank is not just supporting a tournament; they are empowering a vibrant community of athletes and setting the stage for a more equitable world in sports and beyond.
For more information on the tournament, please visit the official WTA Charleston site.
