ICANN approves standard contract for new domain operators in 2026 round

ICANN has approved the 2026 Base Registry Agreement, the standard contract that successful applicants in the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round will sign if they are allowed to operate a new top-level domain.

In simple terms, this agreement is the rulebook for anyone who wants to run a domain ending such as .example, .shop, or .city. A top-level domain is the part of an internet address that comes after the final dot, such as .com, .org, or .net. A registry operator is the organisation responsible for running that domain ending, maintaining its technical systems, and managing the database of all registered names under it.

The newly approved agreement matters because it sets out what a registry operator is allowed to do and what it must do. That includes technical requirements, security obligations, operational standards, and other responsibilities needed to keep a top-level domain stable and functioning properly.

According to ICANN, the 2026 Base Registry Agreement was developed through discussions with the Implementation Review Team and through four public comment proceedings, during which members of the ICANN community were able to provide feedback.

ICANN says the contractual terms are based on policies developed through its multistakeholder process. For applicants preparing for the 2026 round, the agreement is a key document because it defines the conditions under which any new top-level domain would operate.