Governor McKee Announces New Nonprofit to Capitalize on Economic Opportunities Related to Next Summer's Major International Soccer Tournament
Published on Tuesday, June 03, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI — In a major strategic move, Governor McKee is announcing the formation of Ocean State 2026, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring Rhode Island maximizes the exceptional economic opportunities next summer's major international soccer tournament will bring to Rhode Island and the region next year.
The Governor also announced that Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner will lead Ocean State 2026 as the nonprofit’s Executive Director. She will step down from her current role at Commerce to take on this new position. Treasurer James Diossa will serve as Chairman of the nonprofit’s board.
“This world-class soccer event presents a major opportunity to showcase Rhode Island on the global stage—and we’re ready to seize it,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This new nonprofit will help ensure we’re attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and driving economic activity in the state. With Liz Tanner leading the effort along with Treasurer Diossa, we have a strong team in place to help Rhode Island make the most of this moment.”
Seven tournament matches will be played at Gillette Stadium from June 13 to July 9, 2026. Over the course of the tournament, an estimated 1 million people are expected to travel through the Providence metro area with a projected economic impact of more than $330 million.
Ocean State 2026 will focus on maximizing the tournament’s potential to boost tourism, support local businesses, enhance workforce development, and showcase the state as a premier global destination. The nonprofit will lead business sponsorship efforts to support tournament-related activities in Rhode Island, while working closely with state and local agencies, the League of Cities and Towns, chambers of commerce, tourism bureaus, and Boston 2026 to ensure a unified and impactful presence before, during, and after the tournament.
“Next year’s international soccer matches at Gillette Stadium will bring thousands of tourists, spending millions of dollars in our cities and towns. It truly offers an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our state while maximizing economic impact,” said General Treasurer James Diossa. “I am honored to help lead this effort alongside Liz Tanner, a proven champion for economic development in Rhode Island. This is bigger than soccer; it’s about investing in our state’s future and ensuring every community gets to benefit.”
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Rhode Island as Secretary of Commerce under Governor McKee’s leadership. I am deeply grateful to the Governor for his trust and confidence in me, his dedicated staff, my incredible colleagues across state government, and the many businesses and community leaders who work tirelessly every day to make Rhode Island a better place to live, work, innovate, and grow. I look forward to continuing my service to the State of Rhode Island in this new role, helping ensure our state makes the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner.
During Secretary Tanner’s tenure, she oversaw the completion of major economic development projects, the expansion of broadband infrastructure through over $100 million in federal funding, and the launch of impactful programs tailored to the needs of small businesses. Secretary Tanner championed initiatives that not only responded to emerging economic trends but also strengthened Rhode Island’s business climate. Secretary Tanner’s last day as Secretary of Commerce will be July 4. An interim Secretary will be named by that date.
“Rhode Island thanks Secretary Tanner for her years of service to our state and her commitment to strengthening our economy and supporting local businesses. We’re excited to begin this next chapter with her as a key partner in this important effort,” added Governor Dan McKee.