The Billionaire Behind The Racket: 7 Shocking Facts About Emma Navarro's Father, Ben Navarro

The name Emma Navarro has been surging through the WTA rankings, especially after her impressive run in the 2025 season, but the story behind her rise is far more complex than just athletic talent. As of today, December 18, 2025, the tennis world is buzzing not just about her World No. 15 ranking and Australian Open quarter-final appearance, but about the staggering wealth and influence of her family. Her father, Ben Navarro, is a billionaire financier whose business decisions have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of American professional tennis, making him one of the sport’s most powerful, yet low-profile, figures.

This article dives deep into the life of the man who co-founded a credit card giant and then quietly built a tennis empire—a story of finance, philanthropy, and a powerful family legacy that is intertwined with the very tournaments his daughter competes in. The connection between Emma Navarro's professional journey and her father's financial clout is a fascinating, and often surprising, modern sports narrative.

Ben Navarro: Biography and Profile of a Billionaire Financier

Ben Navarro, the father of tennis star Emma Navarro, is an American billionaire, investor, and philanthropist with a formidable career in finance and a growing empire in sports and real estate. His journey from a college football coach’s son to a financial magnate is a testament to entrepreneurial ambition.

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• Full Name: Benjamin W. Navarro
• Date of Birth: c. 1963 (Estimated Age: 62)
• Wife/Spouse: Kelly Navarro
• Children: Emma Navarro and three other children.
• Education: University of Rhode Island (Graduated 1984)
• Primary Company: Founder and CEO of Sherman Financial Group
• Investment Firm: Co-Founder of Beemok Capital (Single-Family Office)
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $1.5 billion (As of recent Forbes/Mirror reports)
• Hometown/Base: Charleston, South Carolina
• Notable Ancestry: Son of famous college football coach Frank Navarro.

1. The Financial Empire: Sherman Financial Group and $1.5 Billion Net Worth

Ben Navarro’s vast fortune, which places him among the world's billionaires, was built on the foundation of the financial services sector. He is the founder and CEO of the Sherman Financial Group, which he co-founded in 1998 with Brett Hildebrand.

The company is a major player in credit card and debt acquisition, and it is the parent company of Credit One Bank, a large US-based financial institution. While the exact structure of his investments can be complex, his estimated net worth hovers around $1.5 billion, a figure that often draws comparisons to other wealthy tennis families like that of Jessica Pegula.

In 2018, Navarro established Beemok Capital, a single-family office designed to manage his extensive investment portfolio and philanthropic endeavors. This firm has become the primary vehicle for his ventures outside of traditional finance, particularly in real estate and, most notably, professional tennis.

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2. He Owns Not One, But Two Major American Tennis Tournaments

Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of Ben Navarro’s profile is his deep, direct, and financial involvement in the sport of tennis. He is not just a fan; he is a major owner of the infrastructure. Through his investment firm, Beemok Capital (operating as Beemok Sports & Entertainment), Navarro owns two of the most significant professional tennis tournaments in the United States, creating an unprecedented dynamic for his daughter, Emma.

The Credit One Charleston Open (WTA 500)

In September 2018, Navarro purchased Charleston Tennis LLC, taking over the operations of the Credit One Charleston Open (formerly the Volvo Car Open). This is a landmark event—the longest-running women's professional tennis tournament in the U.S., dating back to 1973. The acquisition also included the management of the Family Circle Tennis Center and the Volvo Car Stadium, essentially giving him control over the entire local tennis complex in his family’s hometown.

The Western & Southern Open (Cincinnati Open)

In a major move in October 2022, Ben Navarro’s Beemok Capital completed the purchase of the Western & Southern Open, often referred to as the Cincinnati Open, from the United States Tennis Association (USTA). This tournament is a prestigious joint ATP and WTA 1000 event, one of the biggest combined tournaments outside of the Grand Slams. This acquisition cemented his status as a major power broker in American tennis, owning two of the country's most important tournaments.

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3. The Commitment to Equal Prize Money

Beyond simply owning the events, Ben Navarro has used his position to influence the direction of the sport. In a significant move toward gender equality, Navarro committed to providing equal prize money for the women’s tournament, the Credit One Charleston Open, starting with the 2026 tournament and beyond. This decision highlights his philanthropic approach to the sport, ensuring that the legacy of the tournament aligns with modern values of fairness and equity for female athletes.

4. Emma Navarro’s Career is Intertwined with Her Father’s Empire

The unique situation of Emma Navarro competing in tournaments owned by her father is a rare scenario in professional sports. The Credit One Charleston Open is essentially her home event, creating an added layer of pressure and media attention. While she has publicly stated that her father's wealth has not been a direct factor in her training—she earned her way through college tennis at the University of Virginia and the professional circuit—the family connection remains a constant talking point.

Her recent success in the 2025 season, where she reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open and secured a spot as the No. 10 seed at the US Open, proves that her on-court achievements are entirely her own. However, the narrative of the "billionaire's daughter" who is now a top-ranked player competing in her father's arenas is a compelling storyline that continues to capture attention.

5. Philanthropy and Community Focus in Charleston

Ben Navarro and his wife, Kelly Navarro, are dedicated philanthropists, particularly in their adopted hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. His acquisition of the tennis facilities was part of a broader vision to invest in the community. His work is often focused on local initiatives, showcasing a commitment to giving back to the city where the family resides. This community-focused philanthropy is managed through Beemok Capital, which serves as the hub for his non-financial and charitable endeavors.

In essence, Ben Navarro's legacy is twofold: a financial titan who built a fortune from the ground up, and a passionate sports owner who is now a central figure in American tennis. His influence extends from Wall Street to the courts of the Credit One Charleston Open and the Western & Southern Open, creating a powerful and unique backdrop for his daughter Emma Navarro's burgeoning career.