Next year will mark another historic milestone for the Credit One Charleston Open as the tournament will provide equal prize money to players starting in 2026.
Getting out far ahead of the curve, COCO, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament, becomes the first standalone WTA 500 tournament to voluntarily increase prize money prior to the 2033 goal for all single-week WTA 1000 and 500 events to reward equal prize money.
With the move Credit One Bank, which has extended its partnership with COCO through 2031, demonstrated its commitment to gender equality in sports.
“Credit One is proud to reaffirm our sponsorship of this premier all-women’s tennis tournament through 2031,” said Amber Greenwalt, SVP of brand and advertising for Credit One Bank, in a press release shared by the Credit One Charleston Open. “Just as the Credit One Charleston Open has built a legacy of empowerment since 1973, Credit One is also dedicated to fostering momentum and celebrating achievements by empowering people in their financial journeys. In alignment with this vision, we are thrilled to confirm that next year’s Charleston Open participants will receive compensation equal to that of their male counterparts in comparable tournaments. This commitment reflects our dedication to advancing equity both on and off the court, as we continue to champion progress and opportunity for all.”
“At the Credit One Charleston Open, we believe in fostering an environment where all athletes are recognized and rewarded for their talent and dedication,” said COCO tournament owner Ben Navarro in the release. “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.”
It’s another groundbreaking move for the progressive tournament, a player favorite which was recently named the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for the third consecutive year (as voted on by the players). In 1973, it became the first women’s tennis event to offer $100,000 in prize money and the first to be broadcast live on network television. The inaugural champion Rosie Casals received a check for $30,000, which was the largest prize money payout awarded to a woman that year.
The prize money for the 2025 Credit One Charleston Open was $1,064,510. In 2026, the total payout would have risen to approximately $1.15 million, but the commitment to equal pay will increase that figure to match ATP 500’s, which typically offer more than $2 million in prize money. Exact numbers will be determined in 2026, but the financial bump will be significant.
“The Credit One Charleston Open has always been at the forefront of promoting women in sports and we’re incredibly proud of our legacy,” said Navarro.
By Collin McCandless
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