Who is Itaú Unibanco? A Look at the Miami Open’s Title Sponsor

ByTennis Tour Calendar Posted on

MIAMI GARDENS, FL — As the mid-march sun begins to settle over the iconic turquoise canopy of Hard Rock Stadium, the world of professional tennis is once again turning its eyes toward South Florida. The 2026 Miami Open presented by Itaú is officially underway, running from March 15 to March 29. This year’s edition marks a significant milestone in the tournament’s history, building on a legacy of glamour and sporting excellence that has transformed Miami into a global epicenter for the ATP and WTA tours.

The 15-day event, owned and operated by IMG and Hard Rock Stadium, remains one of the most prestigious stops on the tennis calendar. As one of only nine ATP Masters 1000 events and a premier WTA 1000 tournament, it is often referred to as the “fifth Grand Slam.” This year, fans are eager to see if defending champions Jakub Menšík and Aryna Sabalenka can repeat their historic 2025 performances, or if legends like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek will reclaim the podium.

A Record-Breaking Legacy

The 2026 tournament arrives on the heels of a monumental year. In 2025, the Miami Open shattered its own attendance records, welcoming more than 405,000 spectators to the Hard Rock Stadium campus. This surge in popularity is a testament to the event’s unique “tennis festival” atmosphere, which blends high-stakes competition with:

  • Vibrant Culture: Live art installations and music that reflect the spirit of Miami.
  • Five-Star Dining: Over 30 of the city’s top culinary destinations serving world-class cuisine courtside.
  • Celebrity Appeal: A frequent haunt for stars like Serena Williams and Jimmy Butler, the event bridges the gap between sports and high-society entertainment.

Fifty Years of Commitment: Itaú Unibanco

Central to the tournament’s sustained success is its partnership with Itaú Unibanco, the largest bank in Latin America. Having served as the presenting sponsor since 2015, Itaú’s involvement goes far deeper than a name on a trophy. The bank, which celebrates 100 years of history, has been a steadfast supporter of tennis for five decades.

“Our purpose is to strengthen the financial well-being of our 70 million customers, but our commitment to society extends to the power of transformation through sport,” a representative from the bank noted.

Itaú’s strategy focuses on three core pillars:

  1. Talent Development: Supporting grass-roots initiatives in Brazil and beyond to find the next generation of stars.
  2. Brand Relevance: Using major international stages like the Miami Open to connect with a diverse, global audience.
  3. Broadened Access: Democratizing the sport by making high-level tennis more accessible to fans across 18 countries.

What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 edition continues to push boundaries. Beyond the singles and doubles draws, the campus features expanded fan zones, including the popular Publix Padel Park and luxury viewing areas like the Cadillac Sunset Terrace. With its close proximity to the luxury hubs of Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, the tournament remains the ultimate destination for those seeking the “Miami lifestyle.”

As the first ball is served, the partnership between Itaú and the Miami Open stands as a model for how corporate synergy can elevate a sporting event into a cultural phenomenon. For the next two weeks, the world will watch as the blue courts of Miami Gardens host the greatest athletes in the world, backed by a century of financial heritage and a half-century of passion for the game.