Charleston Open to offer equal prize money from 2026

The Charleston Open womens tennis tournament has committed to paying players equal prize money as compared to mens events of the same level from next year.

The WTA 500 tournament made the announcement on Sunday and said its purse for the 2026 edition will be increased to match ATP 500 events, which typically offer more than US$2 million (S$2.7 million) in prize money.

“We believe in fostering an environment where all athletes are recognised and rewarded for their talent and dedication,” said Ben Navarro, the Charleston Open tournament owner.

“Providing equal prize money in 2026 is a significant step toward creating a more inclusive, equitable future for tennis.

“We’re proud to take this action as part of our ongoing commitment to support fairness in sports and lead by example for the next generation.”

The move comes after the event, which handed out a little more than US$1 million in prize money this year, extended its title partnership with Credit One Bank till 2031.

The exact purse for the 2026 edition will be finalised once the prize money figures for the season are released.

The womens tennis governing body had said in 2023 that its goal was to deliver equal prize money for players in single-week WTA 1000 and WTA 500 events by 2033.

All four Grand Slams offer equal prize money for men and women, as do many of the other big tournaments.

Emma Navarro, the American world No. 11 and daughter of the Charleston event owner, was among a group of leading players who recently wrote a letter to the majors seeking improvements in prize money to ensure that they receive equal treatment. REUTERS