Years of policy work
The round follows extensive ICANN community policy development and implementation work that shaped the program’s rules and procedures.
00 · WEEKLY NEWS
New gTLD & ICANN news
A concise weekly selection of relevant developments from specialist domain-industry publications.
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Updated weekly. Source links open the original publication. This section is independent and is not affiliated with ICANN or the publications listed.
ICANN NEW gTLD PROGRAM · 2026 ROUND
The 2026 ICANN
New gTLD Round
Understanding the next generation of the Internet’s domain name space.
The 2026 Round gives eligible organizations an opportunity to apply for a new generic top-level domain. This site provides a concise, neutral guide to the program, the applicant journey, and the issues that applicants need to consider.
https://www.company.brand
.BRAND
.CITY
.ECO
01 · FOUNDATIONS
What is a new gTLD?
A top-level domain (TLD) is the part of an Internet domain name to the right of the final dot. Familiar examples include .com and .org. A new gTLD is a top-level domain introduced through an ICANN application round.
Depending on the application and applicable rules, a string can relate to a brand, geographic name, community, or generic term. The distinction between a domain name and a TLD is fundamental: in www.example.brand, “.brand” is the TLD while “example.brand” is the domain name.
www.example.brand
domain nametop-level domain.comEstablished generic
.orgOrganization-oriented
.BRANDBrand-oriented
.CITYGeographic
.ECOGeneric term
02 · CONTEXT
Why the 2026 Round matters
More linguistic possibilities
The program supports applications involving Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) strings, enabling top-level domains in multiple scripts subject to the applicable requirements.
A defined application process
Applicants proceed through a structured sequence of submission, evaluation and, where applicable, contention, contracting and technical onboarding.
03 · PROGRAM STATUS
2026 Round at a glance
The application window has closed. The program is now moving through its subsequent stages; ICANN’s official resources remain the authoritative source for current dates and status.
Applicant Guidebook
Initial authoritative 2026 Round Applicant Guidebook published.
Application window opened
Applications opened through the TLD Application Management System.
Application window closed
Submission window closed at 23:59 UTC.
Subsequent program stages
ICANN reported more than 1,600 primary applications and continues processing the round through evaluation and related stages.
04 · PROCESS
The applicant journey
The exact path varies by application type and circumstances. Some stages and procedures apply only in specific cases.
01
Prepare
Assess eligibility, string considerations, documentation, resources and operational plans.
02
Submit
Submit the application and required information through TAMS.
03
Pre-evaluation
Public application information, string replacement where applicable, and confirmation steps.
04
Evaluate
String, applicant and application evaluations, plus applicable community input, objections or appeals.
05
Resolve contention
Where applicable, contention is addressed through the procedures established by the program.
06
Contract
Successful applicants enter into the 2026 Base Registry Agreement with ICANN.
07
Onboard & delegate
Technical onboarding and testing precede delegation and operation of the gTLD.
05 · ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply?
◼
Businesses & brand owners
Organizations may explore a brand-oriented TLD where the applicable eligibility and string requirements are met.
◌
Communities & associations
Community-based applications have specific requirements and processes that should be assessed in the Guidebook.
◇
Governments & public sector
Geographic and public-sector-related applications can involve additional requirements, approvals or documentation.
+
Other eligible organizations
Eligibility is determined under the 2026 Round rules. The Applicant Guidebook should be reviewed before relying on any general description.
06 · DUE DILIGENCE
Key application considerations
Applicant eligibility
Organizational, financial and other eligibility requirements apply.
Proposed string
String rules, reserved names, geographic names, similarity and IDN considerations may apply.
Technical operations
Registry systems, DNS, security, continuity and technical testing are part of the operational framework.
Financial requirements
Applicants must account for applicable program fees and demonstrate the required financial capacity.
Legal & trademark
Trademark rights, contractual issues, objections and other legal considerations may affect an application.
Registry Service Provider
An applicant should assess the registry services and operational arrangements needed to run the TLD.
Community & geographic names
Specific applications may involve additional requirements, support or evaluation processes.
Objections & evaluation
Applicants should understand the applicable evaluation, comment, objection, appeal and contention procedures.
This overview intentionally avoids reproducing detailed requirements or fees. Always consult the current ICANN Applicant Guidebook and associated program documentation.
07 · FOR BRAND OWNERS
The .BRAND opportunity
A dotBrand is a brand-oriented top-level domain operated for the purposes permitted under the applicable ICANN rules. For a corporate applicant, the project can involve governance, legal and trademark analysis, technical operations, security, registry services and long-term domain-name policy.
Examples of potential naming structures illustrate the concept without implying any particular company’s plans:
- www.company.brand
- investor.company.brand
- careers.company.brand
company.brand
investor.company.brand
careers.company.brand
08 · ECOSYSTEM
The application ecosystem
APPLICANT
ICANN
Registry Service Provider
Legal & Trademark Advisers
Technical & Operational Advisers
Other Specialists
09 · PRIMARY SOURCES
Official resources
For authoritative requirements, dates and program status, use ICANN’s current 2026 Round resources.
012026 Round websiteProgram overview and current information →
02Applicant GuidebookAuthoritative rules, requirements and procedures →
03Applicant JourneyStages from preparation through delegation →
04News & AnnouncementsLatest 2026 Round updates from ICANN →
05Applicant resourcesFAQs, guides, webinars and supporting material →
10 · NEXT STEP
Explore the 2026 Round
Whether you are considering a .BRAND, a generic gTLD, or a community-based application, understanding the program is the first step.