ICANN New gTLD Next Round

Are you looking to apply in ICANN’s Next Round for a new gTLD? ICANN has announced that the Round 2 Application Window will open Q2 2026.

The DRAFT New gTLD Applicant Guidebook is out (Version 30 May 2025) and it is almost 400 pages long with 233 Applicant Questions. Check out my most recent blog explaining the 233 questions here.

Planning should begin now:

  • Now: Education, Planning, Budgeting on the New gTLD Program

  • Q3-Q4 2025 Use Case Exploration, Critical Services Provider Assessments

  • 2025 - 26 Application Preparation and Submission

Please check out my New gTLD Blogs including:

I have extensive experience related to ICANN’s New gTLD Program, the process of New gTLD application development and evaluation as well as launch of New gTLDs.

  • 2008-10 Assisted ICANN prepare the New gTLD Applicant Guidebook (AGB) and application evaluation methodology

  • Assisted ICANN in preparing their 2011 and 2012 Strategic Plans

  • Provided consulting services to over 50 Round 1 New gTLD applications

  • Applications included: generic, community and brand TLDs

  • Supported contention set applicants successfully obtain their TLD through private auction or “lose” and receive a pro-rated percent of the auction proceeds

  • 2016-17 Led the launch of the .art new gTLD

  • 2017 - 21 Managed the North American channel for a portfolio of 31 gTLDs

I can provide a full range of services to support the development of your concept for a new gTLD as well as guidance through the preparation and submittal of your Next Round New gTLD applications.

Reference Quote from Sandeep Ramchandani, CEO of RADIX Registry:

“John was instrumental in guiding us through the complexities of the first round of the new gTLD program. His deep understanding of the ICANN guidebook—both in terms of its interpretation and the intent behind key provisions—gave us a significant strategic edge. Beyond regulatory guidance, John played a pivotal role in shaping our overall strategy, including business and financial modeling that helped us assess the opportunity with clarity and confidence.

Equally valuable was his ability to facilitate alignment across our executive team, ensuring that all stakeholders were informed, aligned, and moving in the same direction. Thanks to John's expertise and leadership, we were able to maximize our odds of securing the TLD we had targeted.”