Credit One Bank Extends Partnership with Charleston Open Through 2031
In an exciting development for tennis fans, Credit One Bank has announced that it will remain the title partner of the Charleston Open through 2031. This partnership extension comes with a groundbreaking change as the tournament commits to paying equal prize money to both women and men starting in 2026. The Charleston Open will be the first standalone WTA 500 tournament to voluntarily increase prize money ahead of the 2033 deadline.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Amber Greenwalt, Credit One Bank’s senior vice president of brand and advertising, highlighted the tournament’s legacy of empowerment that dates back to 1973. The Charleston Open was the first tournament to offer women $100,000 in prize money and the first to be broadcast live on network television. In 1973, inaugural champion Rosie Casals received a $30,000 check, the largest payout to a woman that year.
“This commitment reflects our dedication to advancing equity both on and off the court, as we continue to champion progress and opportunity for all,” Greenwalt stated.
Pioneering Change in Prize Money Distribution
With the prize money for the WTA 500 level event set to match that of the men’s ATP 500 level event, the Charleston Open is making a significant stride towards gender equality in tennis. The 500 level falls two tiers below Grand Slams and one level below Masters 1000s, making this move a historic one in the world of tennis.
Tournament owner Ben Navarro expressed pride in this decision, stating, “We are proud to take this action as part of our ongoing commitment to acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our athletes, leading by example for the next generation.”
Exciting Changes Ahead
The 2025 Charleston Open prize money is set at $1.06 million, with a planned increase to around $1.15 million for 2026. The final purse amount will be determined once the official prize money is released for the 2026 season. This change will align the prize money distribution at the Charleston Open with that of the ATP 500 event.
The nine-day event marks the beginning of the clay season for the WTA Tour, with a singles draw of 48 players, a qualifying draw of 28, and a doubles draw of 16. As the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America, the Charleston Open continues to make strides towards equality and fairness in the sport.
Overall, the continued partnership between Credit One Bank and the Charleston Open, along with the commitment to equal prize money distribution, signals a positive shift towards gender parity in tennis. Fans can look forward to an exciting future for the tournament as it takes bold steps to empower athletes and promote equality in the sport.
Embracing Gender Equality in Tennis
The decision by Credit One Bank and the Charleston Open to extend their partnership and commit to equal prize money distribution is a significant moment in the history of tennis. By ensuring that both male and female athletes receive the same financial recognition for their achievements, the tournament is setting an example for others to follow. This move not only promotes gender equality within the sport but also acknowledges the hard work and dedication of all players, regardless of gender.
Gender disparity in prize money has been a long-standing issue in tennis, with female players often receiving less than their male counterparts in various tournaments. The Charleston Open’s pioneering change in prize money distribution paves the way for greater equity and fairness in the sport. This commitment to equality sends a powerful message to the tennis community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing athletes based on their talent and performance, rather than their gender.
Impact on the Future of Tennis
As the first standalone WTA 500 tournament to implement equal prize money, the Charleston Open is leading the charge for gender parity in tennis. This decision not only benefits current players but also sets a precedent for future tournaments to prioritize fairness and inclusivity. By increasing prize money for women to match that of men at the 500 level event, the tournament is reshaping the landscape of professional tennis for years to come.
The move by the Charleston Open to align prize money distribution with the ATP 500 level event demonstrates a commitment to progress and positive change within the sport. This shift towards gender equality will likely inspire other tournaments to reevaluate their own prize money structures and strive for greater balance and equity. By championing equal pay, the Charleston Open is fostering a more inclusive and diverse tennis community, where athletes of all genders are valued equally for their contributions to the sport.
Looking Towards an Inclusive Future
As the Charleston Open continues to make strides towards equality and fairness in tennis, fans can anticipate an exciting future for the tournament. With a legacy of empowering female athletes dating back to its inception in 1973, the tournament remains at the forefront of promoting gender equality in the sport. By extending its partnership with Credit One Bank and committing to equal prize money, the Charleston Open is solidifying its position as a beacon of progress and opportunity for all players.
Overall, the decision to extend the partnership with Credit One Bank through 2031 and implement equal prize money distribution marks a turning point in the journey towards gender equality in tennis. This bold and transformative step by the Charleston Open sets a new standard for tournaments worldwide, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, fairness, and recognition for athletes of all genders. As the tournament continues to evolve and embrace change, the future of tennis looks brighter and more inclusive than ever before.
