ICANN launches tender for auctions in 2026 domain name expansion round
ICANN has issued a request for proposals to select a provider that will run auctions to resolve competing applications in the upcoming 2026 round of new domain names.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a provider to manage auctions in its New gTLD Program: 2026 Round, scheduled to begin on 30 April 2026.
The auctions will be used when multiple applicants apply for the same domain name, or for names considered too similar. In such cases, the auction determines which applicant will be awarded the domain, if the competition is not resolved through other processes.
Unlike the previous 2012 round, private agreements between applicants to resolve such conflicts are not allowed. As a result, ICANN expects a higher number of auctions in the 2026 round.
The selected provider will be responsible for designing and operating the auction system in line with ICANN’s rules. The process will use an “ascending-clock, second-price” format, where bidders progressively increase offers, but the winner pays the second-highest bid.
ICANN is inviting interested providers to submit proposals outlining their experience and technical capacity to manage the auction process, including handling multiple simultaneous cases.
Expressions of interest can be submitted via email, while full proposals must be filed through ICANN’s sourcing platform by 2 June 2026.
