New gTLD Program: Next Round: Difference between revisions

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On March 16, 2023, the Board adopted the majority of SubPro recommendations and marked a smaller set as pending while it consulted further with the GNSO and the GAC.<ref name="gac-next-round">[https://gac.icann.org/activity/new-gtld-program-next-round ICANN GAC: New gTLD Program Next Round] Retrieved December 1, 2025</ref> The Board also requested an implementation plan from ICANN org describing how a subsequent round could be operationalized, which was delivered on July 31, 2023.<ref name="impl-plan-2023">[https://newgtlds.icann.org/sites/default/files/new-gtld-next-round-implementation-plan-31jul23-en.pdf ICANN: The New gTLD Program Next Round Implementation Plan] Retrieved December 1, 2025</ref>

== Implementation Governance ==

=== SubPro Implementation Review Team ===

To help ensure fidelity to the policy recommendations, the GNSO Council chartered the [[Subsequent Procedures IRT|SubPro Implementation Review Team (IRT)]]. The IRT consists of community volunteers who review draft implementation proposals, comment on operational details that interpret policy, and receive regular updates on communications, outreach, and systems development.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" /><ref name="next-round-reports" />

ICANN org provides monthly reports to the IRT on outreach and engagement efforts for the Next Round, and holds regular IRT calls where program timelines, draft [[2026 Round Applicant Guidebook|Applicant Guidebook]] text, and related implementation topics are discussed.<ref name="next-round-reports">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/reports ICANN: Next Round gTLD Reports] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref>

=== ICANN Oversight ===

The ICANN Board oversees the overall direction of the Next Round, adopting relevant policy recommendations, approving key program documents such as the Applicant Guidebook (AGB), and authorizing the opening of the application window.<ref name="board-agb-2025">[https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-board-adopts-next-round-applicant-guidebook-clears-path-to-2026-launch-03-11-2025-en ICANN Announcements: ICANN Board Adopts Next Round Applicant Guidebook; Clears Path to 2026 Launch] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref> ICANN org is responsible for detailed program design, systems implementation, contracting, and ongoing operations, reporting back to the Board and community through public sessions at ICANN meetings and written updates.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" /> <ref name="q1-2025"></ref>

== Applicant Guidebook and ICANN Board Adoption ==

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The List of Evaluated RSPs will be updated on an ongoing basis as ICANN continues to test and qualify providers.<ref name="rsp"></ref>

~~=== SubPro Implementation Review Team ===~~

To help ensure fidelity to the policy recommendations, the GNSO Council chartered the [[Subsequent Procedures IRT|SubPro Implementation Review Team (IRT)]]. The IRT consists of community volunteers who review draft implementation proposals, comment on operational details that interpret policy, and receive regular updates on communications, outreach, and systems development.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" /><ref name="next-round-reports" />

ICANN org provides monthly reports to the IRT on outreach and engagement efforts for the Next Round, and holds regular IRT calls where program timelines, draft [[2026 Round Applicant Guidebook|Applicant Guidebook]] text, and related implementation topics are discussed.<ref name="next-round-reports">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/reports ICANN: Next Round gTLD Reports] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref>

~~=== ICANN Oversight ===~~

The ICANN Board oversees the overall direction of the Next Round, adopting relevant policy recommendations, approving key program documents such as the Applicant Guidebook (AGB), and authorizing the opening of the application window.<ref name="board-agb-2025">[https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-board-adopts-next-round-applicant-guidebook-clears-path-to-2026-launch-03-11-2025-en ICANN Announcements: ICANN Board Adopts Next Round Applicant Guidebook; Clears Path to 2026 Launch] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref> ICANN org is responsible for detailed program design, systems implementation, contracting, and ongoing operations, reporting back to the Board and community through public sessions at ICANN meetings and written updates.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" /> <ref name="q1-2025"></ref>

~~== Program Architecture ==~~

~~The Next Round program architecture combines multiple components and systems that together enable the application and evaluation process.~~

~~=== Applicant Guidebook ===~~

The "Applicant Guidebook (AGB)" sets out the detailed rules, criteria, and procedures for applying for and operating a new gTLD. For the 2026 round, the AGB is expected to incorporate the adopted SubPro recommendations, updated contractual language, revised objection and contention processes, and new material on IDNs, RSP pre-evaluation, and support mechanisms. The Applicant Guidebook for the 2026 round is being developed through the SubPro Implementation Review Team (IRT) process and iterative drafts. ICANN published a draft version of the Next Round Applicant Guidebook for Public Comment on May 30, 2025 and has indicated that it expects to publish the final version by December 2025, ahead of the projected 2026 application window.

The Applicant Guidebook for the 2026 round was adopted by the ICANN Board at ICANN 84 on November 3, 2025, following more than 250 hours of Implementation Review Team meetings and five Public Comment proceedings on successive drafts. As stipulated by the community, the AGB must be available at least four months before the application window opens. In its ICANN84 resolution, the Board directed ICANN org to publish the final AGB text no later than 30 December 30, 2025 and authorized only insignificant changes while org aligns Dispute Resolution Service Provider rules and performs final consistency checks.<ref name="board-agb-2025" /> <ref name="agb-home">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/agb ICANN New gTLD Program Next Round: Applicant Guidebook Homepage] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref>

~~=== Program Costs and Evaluation Fees ===~~

ICANN has set an expected evaluation fee of USD 227,000 for applications in the 2026 round of the New gTLD Program.<ref name="blog">[https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icann-sets-expected-evaluation-fee-for-new-gtld-applications-in-the-next-round-25-09-2024-en ICANN Blogs: ICANN Sets Expected Evaluation Fee for New gTLD Applications in the Next Round] Retrieved August 8, 2025</ref> While the fee will not be formally confirmed until the ICANN Board approves the Applicant Guidebook for the Next Round, publishing the expected amount is intended to give prospective applicants a concrete basis for business planning and decision-making.

The expected fee level reflects program-related decisions taken at the ICANN Board workshop of September 6-8, 2024 in Los Angeles, including adoption of the remaining Internationalized Domain Names Expedited Policy Development Process Phase 1 recommendation on application fees and Security and Stability Advisory Committee advice related to Name Collision Analysis.<ref name="blog" /> Consistent with the GNSO Subsequent Procedures Final Report, the fee is set on a cost-recovery basis: it is intended to cover the full costs of running the New gTLD Program and to be revenue-neutral, so that the round is not subsidized by existing ICANN funding sources such as gTLD registry and registrar fees, ccTLD contributions, or Regional Internet Registry contributions. <ref>[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/resources/gtld-evaluation-fee-faqs ICANN New gTLD Program Next Round: gTLD Evaluation Fee Frequently Asked Questions] Retrieved August 8, 2025</ref>

The gTLD evaluation fee does not include charges for elective conditional evaluations, which are assessed separately. Conditional evaluations are optional assessments that an applicant may request in order to obtain specific statuses or treatment, such as Community Priority Evaluation for community-based applications or eligibility for the .Brand TLD model.<ref name="blog" />

~~=== Systems and Tools ===~~

ICANN is deploying a new “TLD Application Management System (TAMS)” to replace the 2012 TAS platform. TAMS is designed to support application submission, document management, evaluation workflows, communications between ICANN and applicants, and publication of application data.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" />

Additional tools include portals for the Applicant Support Program, the RSP Evaluation Program, and public information sites that present timelines, FAQs, and outreach materials for potential applicants.<ref name="next-round-landing">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2 ICANN: New gTLD Program: Next Round] Retrieved December 2, 2025.</ref> <ref name="next-round-faqs" />

== Outreach and Communications ==

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The program includes two evaluation periods: an initial pre-application period from November 19, 2024 to May 20, 2025, and a second period aligned with the 2026 application window.<ref name="rsp-program" /><ref name="update-2025" /> RSPs that successfully complete evaluation are listed on a dedicated page for use by prospective applicants.<ref name="rsp-program" /> Through the program, RSPs may only need to be evaluated once for the 2026 Round regardless of the number of gTLDs they support.<ref name="agb" />

== Systems and Tools ==

ICANN is deploying a new "TLD Application Management System (TAMS)" to replace the 2012 TAS platform. TAMS is designed to support application submission, document management, evaluation workflows, communications between ICANN and applicants, and publication of application data.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" />

Additional tools include portals for the Applicant Support Program, the RSP Evaluation Program, and public information sites that present timelines, FAQs, and outreach materials for potential applicants.<ref name="next-round-landing">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2 ICANN: New gTLD Program: Next Round] Retrieved December 2, 2025.</ref> <ref name="next-round-faqs" />

== Applicant Journey ==

@@ Line 16: / Line 16: @@
 On March 16, 2023, the Board adopted the majority of SubPro recommendations and marked a smaller set as pending while it consulted further with the GNSO and the GAC.<ref name="gac-next-round">[https://gac.icann.org/activity/new-gtld-program-next-round ICANN GAC: New gTLD Program Next Round] Retrieved December 1, 2025</ref> The Board also requested an implementation plan from ICANN org describing how a subsequent round could be operationalized, which was delivered on July 31, 2023.<ref name="impl-plan-2023">[https://newgtlds.icann.org/sites/default/files/new-gtld-next-round-implementation-plan-31jul23-en.pdf ICANN: The New gTLD Program Next Round Implementation Plan] Retrieved December 1, 2025</ref>
+== Implementation Governance ==
+=== SubPro Implementation Review Team ===
+To help ensure fidelity to the policy recommendations, the GNSO Council chartered the [[Subsequent Procedures IRT|SubPro Implementation Review Team (IRT)]]. The IRT consists of community volunteers who review draft implementation proposals, comment on operational details that interpret policy, and receive regular updates on communications, outreach, and systems development.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" /><ref name="next-round-reports" />
+ICANN org provides monthly reports to the IRT on outreach and engagement efforts for the Next Round, and holds regular IRT calls where program timelines, draft [[2026 Round Applicant Guidebook|Applicant Guidebook]] text, and related implementation topics are discussed.<ref name="next-round-reports">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/reports ICANN: Next Round gTLD Reports] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref>
+=== ICANN Oversight ===
+The ICANN Board oversees the overall direction of the Next Round, adopting relevant policy recommendations, approving key program documents such as the Applicant Guidebook (AGB), and authorizing the opening of the application window.<ref name="board-agb-2025">[https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-board-adopts-next-round-applicant-guidebook-clears-path-to-2026-launch-03-11-2025-en ICANN Announcements: ICANN Board Adopts Next Round Applicant Guidebook; Clears Path to 2026 Launch] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref> ICANN org is responsible for detailed program design, systems implementation, contracting, and ongoing operations, reporting back to the Board and community through public sessions at ICANN meetings and written updates.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" /> <ref name="q1-2025"></ref>
 == Applicant Guidebook and ICANN Board Adoption ==
@@ Line 77: / Line 89: @@
 The List of Evaluated RSPs will be updated on an ongoing basis as ICANN continues to test and qualify providers.<ref name="rsp"></ref>
-=== SubPro Implementation Review Team ===
-To help ensure fidelity to the policy recommendations, the GNSO Council chartered the [[Subsequent Procedures IRT|SubPro Implementation Review Team (IRT)]]. The IRT consists of community volunteers who review draft implementation proposals, comment on operational details that interpret policy, and receive regular updates on communications, outreach, and systems development.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" /><ref name="next-round-reports" />
-ICANN org provides monthly reports to the IRT on outreach and engagement efforts for the Next Round, and holds regular IRT calls where program timelines, draft [[2026 Round Applicant Guidebook|Applicant Guidebook]] text, and related implementation topics are discussed.<ref name="next-round-reports">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/reports ICANN: Next Round gTLD Reports] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref>
-=== ICANN Oversight ===
-The ICANN Board oversees the overall direction of the Next Round, adopting relevant policy recommendations, approving key program documents such as the Applicant Guidebook (AGB), and authorizing the opening of the application window.<ref name="board-agb-2025">[https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-board-adopts-next-round-applicant-guidebook-clears-path-to-2026-launch-03-11-2025-en ICANN Announcements: ICANN Board Adopts Next Round Applicant Guidebook; Clears Path to 2026 Launch] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref> ICANN org is responsible for detailed program design, systems implementation, contracting, and ongoing operations, reporting back to the Board and community through public sessions at ICANN meetings and written updates.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" /> <ref name="q1-2025"></ref>
-== Program Architecture ==
-The Next Round program architecture combines multiple components and systems that together enable the application and evaluation process.
-=== Applicant Guidebook ===
-The "Applicant Guidebook (AGB)" sets out the detailed rules, criteria, and procedures for applying for and operating a new gTLD. For the 2026 round, the AGB is expected to incorporate the adopted SubPro recommendations, updated contractual language, revised objection and contention processes, and new material on IDNs, RSP pre-evaluation, and support mechanisms. The Applicant Guidebook for the 2026 round is being developed through the SubPro Implementation Review Team (IRT) process and iterative drafts. ICANN published a draft version of the Next Round Applicant Guidebook for Public Comment on May 30, 2025 and has indicated that it expects to publish the final version by December 2025, ahead of the projected 2026 application window.
-The Applicant Guidebook for the 2026 round was adopted by the ICANN Board at ICANN 84 on November 3, 2025, following more than 250 hours of Implementation Review Team meetings and five Public Comment proceedings on successive drafts. As stipulated by the community, the AGB must be available at least four months before the application window opens. In its ICANN84 resolution, the Board directed ICANN org to publish the final AGB text no later than 30 December 30, 2025 and authorized only insignificant changes while org aligns Dispute Resolution Service Provider rules and performs final consistency checks.<ref name="board-agb-2025" /> <ref name="agb-home">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/agb ICANN New gTLD Program Next Round: Applicant Guidebook Homepage] Retrieved December 2, 2025</ref>
-=== Program Costs and Evaluation Fees ===
-ICANN has set an expected evaluation fee of USD 227,000 for applications in the 2026 round of the New gTLD Program.<ref name="blog">[https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/icann-sets-expected-evaluation-fee-for-new-gtld-applications-in-the-next-round-25-09-2024-en ICANN Blogs: ICANN Sets Expected Evaluation Fee for New gTLD Applications in the Next Round] Retrieved August 8, 2025</ref> While the fee will not be formally confirmed until the ICANN Board approves the Applicant Guidebook for the Next Round, publishing the expected amount is intended to give prospective applicants a concrete basis for business planning and decision-making.
-The expected fee level reflects program-related decisions taken at the ICANN Board workshop of September 6-8, 2024 in Los Angeles, including adoption of the remaining Internationalized Domain Names Expedited Policy Development Process Phase 1 recommendation on application fees and Security and Stability Advisory Committee advice related to Name Collision Analysis.<ref name="blog" /> Consistent with the GNSO Subsequent Procedures Final Report, the fee is set on a cost-recovery basis: it is intended to cover the full costs of running the New gTLD Program and to be revenue-neutral, so that the round is not subsidized by existing ICANN funding sources such as gTLD registry and registrar fees, ccTLD contributions, or Regional Internet Registry contributions. <ref>[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/resources/gtld-evaluation-fee-faqs ICANN New gTLD Program Next Round: gTLD Evaluation Fee Frequently Asked Questions] Retrieved August 8, 2025</ref>
-The gTLD evaluation fee does not include charges for elective conditional evaluations, which are assessed separately. Conditional evaluations are optional assessments that an applicant may request in order to obtain specific statuses or treatment, such as Community Priority Evaluation for community-based applications or eligibility for the .Brand TLD model.<ref name="blog" />
-=== Systems and Tools ===
-ICANN is deploying a new “TLD Application Management System (TAMS)” to replace the 2012 TAS platform. TAMS is designed to support application submission, document management, evaluation workflows, communications between ICANN and applicants, and publication of application data.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" />
-Additional tools include portals for the Applicant Support Program, the RSP Evaluation Program, and public information sites that present timelines, FAQs, and outreach materials for potential applicants.<ref name="next-round-landing">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2 ICANN: New gTLD Program: Next Round] Retrieved December 2, 2025.</ref> <ref name="next-round-faqs" />
 == Outreach and Communications ==
@@ Line 142: / Line 120: @@
 The program includes two evaluation periods: an initial pre-application period from November 19, 2024 to May 20, 2025, and a second period aligned with the 2026 application window.<ref name="rsp-program" /><ref name="update-2025" /> RSPs that successfully complete evaluation are listed on a dedicated page for use by prospective applicants.<ref name="rsp-program" /> Through the program, RSPs may only need to be evaluated once for the 2026 Round regardless of the number of gTLDs they support.<ref name="agb" />
+== Systems and Tools ==
+ICANN is deploying a new "TLD Application Management System (TAMS)" to replace the 2012 TAS platform. TAMS is designed to support application submission, document management, evaluation workflows, communications between ICANN and applicants, and publication of application data.<ref name="impl-plan-2023" />
+Additional tools include portals for the Applicant Support Program, the RSP Evaluation Program, and public information sites that present timelines, FAQs, and outreach materials for potential applicants.<ref name="next-round-landing">[https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2 ICANN: New gTLD Program: Next Round] Retrieved December 2, 2025.</ref> <ref name="next-round-faqs" />
 == Applicant Journey ==