A significant development has emerged from the Charleston Open, which announced an unprecedented $2.5 million player compensation package for a WTA 500 event as part of its broader commitment to advancing equal pay in tennis.
The move marks a landmark moment for the sport, particularly for those who have long championed pay equity between men and women. Prominent figures, including Venus Williams, Jessica Pegula, and Emma Navarro, recently weighed in on the announcement.
Jessica Pegula, Venus Williams, and Madison Keys Elated As Emma Navarro’s Billionaire Father-Owned Charleston Open Takes $2.5 Million Worth Step
The Charleston Open is backed by billionaire businessman Ben Navarro, father of World No. 18 Emma Navarro and founder and CEO of Sherman Financial Group. In April 2025, Credit One Bank reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the tournament by extending its title sponsorship through 2031.
As part of that renewed partnership, it was announced that the event will implement equal prize money starting in 2026, further strengthening its stance on pay equity in the sport.
The tournament will significantly raise its financial commitment to competitors, allocating a total of $2.5 million toward player compensation. Of that amount, $2.3 million will be distributed as on-site prize money, with an additional $200,000 dedicated to player support initiatives.
“Women’s tennis is delivering at a very high level right now, from the quality of competition to the engagement from fans, and this investment reflects that. Offering equal prize money is about respecting the players and the work they put in, and aligning the tournament with the value of the game,” said Ben Navarro in the wake of the news.
Several big names in women’s tennis have also backed this huge step. World No. 6 and the 2025 Charleston Open champion Jessica Pegula said, “Seeing a tournament like Charleston commit to equal prize money matters. It shows that the work we put in and the level we compete at are being recognized. When tournaments continue to invest equally, it sends a clear message to current players and the next generation about where the sport is headed.”
Meanwhile, 7-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams called it a “huge moment” showing real progress in women’s sport.
“This is a huge moment for the legacy of our sport which sends a powerful message to the players, fans and the future of tennis. It shows real progress and a belief in the value of women’s sport,” she said.
The announcement also prompted a detailed response from Emma Navarro, who hailed the move as a significant step forward for women’s tennis.
“Growing up in Charleston, this tournament has always meant so much to me. Seeing the Credit One Charleston Open take a historic step forward by offering equal prize money is a meaningful moment for our sport. It shows real leadership and a commitment to moving women’s tennis forward. I’m incredibly proud that my hometown tournament is setting the standard,” she said.
On the other hand, 2019 Charleston Open champion Madison Keys emphasized that having a tournament and a sponsor willing to recognize and invest in women’s sports reflects the sport’s continued growth.
“The Credit One Charleston Open offering equal prize money is something we’re incredibly proud of. It represents real progress for women’s tennis and shows how far the sport continues to grow. As players, we’re very fortunate to have a tournament and title sponsor who genuinely sees the value in women’s sports and are willing to lead by example,” she said.
The Charleston Open has consistently set the standard in advancing women’s tennis. In 1973, it became the first women’s tournament to offer a $100,000 prize purse and the first to secure live network television coverage.
