2026 Little League Baseball World Series Generated an Estimated $40 Million for Pennsylvania’s Economy and Attracted Nearly 70,000 People to Williamsport
The two weeks of annual games, played from August 19-30, is expected to attract 70,000 visitors from across the globe to Northcentral Pennsylvania.
Over the last three years, Governor Shapiro has promoted Pennsylvania as the “Great American Getaway” and increased funding for tourism and 2026 marquis event support.
Williamsport, PA – More than 70,000 players, coaches, and fans traveled to Williamsport for the 79th Little League Baseball World Series, injecting an estimated $40 million into Pennsylvania’s economy according to the Lycoming County Visitor’s Bureau. First held at Memorial Park in Williamsport in 1947, the competition has included teams from 44 US states and 29 different countries.
“Pennsylvania has a rich sports heritage — and I’m proud that the Little League World Series’ home is right here in Williamsport,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Since the first Little League Baseball World Series was held in Pennsylvania in 1947, the annual tradition has generated millions of dollars each year for the local economy, contributed to our Commonwealth’s reputation as a top-tier sports destination, and given generations of young athletes an unforgettable opportunity to play and compete with fellow baseball fans from around the world. I am proud to welcome tens of thousands of visitors here to watch these talented young athletes — including the East Side team from Chester County. This is the sixth year in a row that a Pennsylvania-based team will play in the series.”
The Shapiro Administration has supported the Little League Baseball World Series awarding $175,000 through the Department of Community & Economic Development’s (DCED) Marketing to Attract Tourists program. Funding has helped support community events including the Grand Slam Parade festival which increases foot traffic to local shops and business hubs.
“For 79 years, Pennsylvania remains the center of little league baseball each year, inviting thousands of visitors from across the globe to Williamsport,” said Anne Ryan, DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism. “This year, the Commonwealth has been the center of some of the biggest events, and this is no different. Events like the Little League World Series usher in economic stability, boost communities and businesses, and have visitors adding Pennsylvania to their annual travel itinerary.”
This year, retired Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres first baseman Steve Garvey served as Grand Marshal for the Grand Slam Parade on August 18th and threw out the first pitch of the series on August 19th. Additionally, Williamsport Welcomes the World on August 28th featured former Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones, the most recent Baseball Hall of Fame inductee who will serve as the 3rd base coach for the annual Challenger Exhibition Game on August 29th.
“Little League Baseball and the Little League World Series is one of the few annual global sports to be held in the United States and Williamsport is home to the largest truly global youth sports tournaments,” said Jason Fink, President and CEO of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau. “We greatly appreciate the support of Governor Shapiro and Deputy Secretary Anne Ryan for their investment in the community programming around the Little League World Series. 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.”
Pennsylvania Tourism
Tourism is a key priority in Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy — and new data shows the industry is surging. In 2024, Pennsylvania welcomed more than 201 million visitors, generating a record-breaking $83.9 billion in total economic impact. Visitor spending reached $49.9 billion and the industry supported more than 514,000 jobs.
Celebrating Pennsylvania in 2026
As the birthplace of American democracy, Pennsylvania has been in the spotlight in 2026 with important events throughout the Commonwealth. From the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia to major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup™, NFL Draft, MLB All-Star Game, and more, these experiences are huge tourism and economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth as millions of people visit Pennsylvania. Over the last three years, Governor Shapiro has rebranded Pennsylvania as the “Great American Getaway” and increased funding for tourism and 2026 marquis event support.
Pennsylvania is open for business and visitors. The Shapiro Administration continues to uplift Pennsylvania’s tourism industry and invite people from across the world to experience all that Pennsylvania has to offer. The 2026-27 bipartisan budget included $19.5 million in Marketing to Attract Tourists to increase awareness and invite visitors to the thousands of quintessential getaway experiences throughout Pennsylvania.
About Visit PA
Visit PA, the official tourism office of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and part of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, promotes travel to Pennsylvania’s 67 counties and showcases the experiences that make the Commonwealth The Great American Getaway. From vibrant cities and historic landmarks to outdoor adventure, arts and culture, culinary experiences and small-town charm, Pennsylvania offers authentic experiences for every traveler. Learn more at visitpa.com.
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