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WILLIAMSPORT -- The 2026 Little League Baseball World Series is expected to generate an estimated $40 million for Pennsylvania's economy as tens of thousands of players, coaches and fans converge on Williamsport.
Nearly 70,000 visitors from around the world are expected in northcentral Pennsylvania during the tournament, which runs Aug. 19 through Aug. 30, according to the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau.
The 79th annual tournament continues a tradition that began in Williamsport in 1947. Since then, the competition has included teams representing 44 states and 29 countries.
"Pennsylvania has a rich sports heritage -- and I'm proud that the Little League World Series' home is right here in Williamsport," Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
Shapiro said the annual tournament has generated millions of dollars for the local economy while helping establish Pennsylvania as a sports destination. A Pennsylvania team has participated in the tournament for six consecutive years, with East Side Little League of Chester County representing the state this year.
The state provided $175,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Marketing to Attract Tourists program to support the World Series and related community activities.
That funding has helped support events including the Grand Slam Parade, which is designed to bring additional visitors to local businesses.
"For 79 years, Pennsylvania remains the center of little league baseball each year, inviting thousands of visitors from across the globe to Williamsport," DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan said.
Ryan said events such as the World Series provide an economic boost to communities and businesses while encouraging visitors to return to Pennsylvania.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres first baseman Steve Garvey served as grand marshal of the Grand Slam Parade on Aug. 18 and threw the ceremonial first pitch when the tournament began Aug. 19.
Other activities include Williamsport Welcomes the World on Aug. 28, featuring former Atlanta Braves outfielder and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Andruw Jones. Jones is also scheduled to serve as third-base coach for the annual Challenger Exhibition Game on Aug. 29.
Jason Fink, president and CEO of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau, called the tournament a major driver of the region's economy.
"This tournament is a key driver to the local economy bringing to the region over $40m and 70,000 plus visitors during these two weeks in August," Fink said.
The tournament comes during a year in which Pennsylvania has hosted a number of major national and international events tied to the nation's 250th anniversary.
State officials have increasingly emphasized tourism as part of Pennsylvania's economic development strategy. In 2024, the state welcomed more than 201 million visitors, who generated an estimated $83.9 billion in total economic impact. Visitor spending totaled $49.9 billion, while the tourism industry supported more than 514,000 jobs.
The 2026-27 state budget includes $19.5 million for the Marketing to Attract Tourists program.