Charleston Open Tennis Tournament Offers Record Prize Money in 2026

The women's-only event will feature $2.5 million in total prize money, the highest in its history.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:09pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the energy and dynamism of a women's tennis match.The Charleston Open's record-setting prize purse reflects the growing commercial and fan appeal of elite women's tennis.

The Charleston Open, the largest women's-only tennis tournament in North America, will offer a record $2.5 million in prize money for its 2026 edition. This marks a significant increase from previous years and underscores the growing prominence and investment in women's professional tennis.

Why it matters

The Charleston Open's prize money increase reflects the broader momentum and investment in women's sports, particularly tennis. As one of the premier events on the WTA calendar, the Charleston Open's higher purse signals that organizers and sponsors recognize the value and drawing power of elite women's athletics.

The details

The Charleston Open, which has been a fixture on the women's tennis calendar for years, will now offer $2.5 million in total prize money for its 2026 tournament. This represents a substantial increase from previous editions and underscores the growing prominence and investment in the women's game.

  • The 2026 Charleston Open will take place in late March and early April.

The players

Charleston Open

A WTA 500 tournament that has been the largest women's-only event in North America for years.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be able to offer our players a record-setting prize purse for the 2026 Charleston Open. This increase reflects the rising popularity and value of women's tennis, and we're proud to be able to invest in and showcase the incredible talent on the WTA Tour.”

— Bob Moran, Tournament Director, Charleston Open

What’s next

The 2026 Charleston Open will take place from March 30 to April 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The Charleston Open's significant prize money increase underscores the growing commercial and fan interest in women's professional tennis. As one of the premier events on the WTA calendar, this investment signals a broader trend of heightened visibility and valuation of elite women's sports.