Hundreds of New Domain Extensions Are Coming: ICANN's 2026 gTLD Round Explained

The internet is about to get a lot of new addresses.

ICANN — the organization that manages the global domain name system — is opening a new application round for generic top-level domains (gTLDs) in 2026. This is only the second time in history that companies can apply to create entirely new domain extensions, and the scale is expected to dwarf the first round from 2012.

Just one company, Nova Registry (the operator behind .link), has announced plans to apply for 200 new TLDs. With dozens of other applicants expected, the total number of new extensions could run into the hundreds.

Here's what you need to know.

What Is the New gTLD Round?

Back in 2012, ICANN opened the first new gTLD application round. Companies paid $185,000 per application to propose new domain extensions. The result: over 1,200 new gTLDs were added to the internet, including extensions like .tech, .online, .store, .app, .dev, .ai, and hundreds more.

The 2026 round is the sequel. ICANN has spent years developing updated policies and an applicant guidebook for this round, and applications are expected to open later this year, with ICANN85 in Mumbai (March 7-13) likely to provide further details.

Nova Registry: 200 New Extensions

The most ambitious applicant announced so far is Nova Registry, which currently operates the .link extension. General Manager Vaughn Liley confirmed on the Domain Name Wire Podcast (#576, March 2, 2026) that the company is preparing applications for approximately 200 new top-level domain names.

Nova Registry first announced this plan a year ago, and has been steadily ramping up preparations. The company discussed how the 2026 round will differ from the 2012 round, including policies around web3 integrations and modernized application procedures.

At $185,000 per application (the 2012 price — the 2026 fee may differ), 200 applications would represent a $37 million commitment from a single company. This signals both the profitability of running domain registries and the strategic importance of controlling TLD namespaces.

How the 2026 Round Differs from 2012

The 2012 round was pioneering but messy. Based on what's been discussed in ICANN policy development, the 2026 round is expected to address several issues:

Improved String Evaluation

In 2012, even sophisticated applicants made mistakes. Google famously submitted three applications for strings that matched protected three-letter country codes, which were automatically rejected.

To help prevent such costly errors, Domain Incite has launched Stringtel, a free tool that analyzes potential gTLD strings before application. It checks for:

• Blocked geographic names — strings matching country codes or protected geographic terms
• String collision risks — names that could conflict with existing internal network usage
• Contention likelihood — whether multiple parties are likely to apply for the same string
• Market potential — analyzing 180 million registered domains to estimate demand

For example, entering "hub" shows strong market potential but flags contention risks. Entering "eth" warns that it's forbidden because it matches Ethiopia's three-letter country code.

Updated Contention Resolution

When multiple companies apply for the same string, ICANN must resolve the conflict. The 2012 round saw expensive auctions — the .app gTLD auction raised $25 million, won by Google. The 2026 round may have updated mechanisms for handling contention.

Web3 and Blockchain Considerations

The 2012 round predated the blockchain domain debate. The 2026 round must address how traditional gTLDs interact with blockchain-based naming systems like ENS (.eth) and Unstoppable Domains.

What New Extensions Might We See?

Based on industry trends and the types of domains that have gained traction since 2012, the 2026 round is likely to see applications for:

AI and Technology Extensions

With .ai domains commanding record prices — Bot.ai at $1.2M, Lotus.ai at $400K — expect applications for extensions targeting specific AI niches. Think .agent, .model, .llm, .neural, .prompt, or .automate.

Industry-Specific Extensions

The success of .tech, .dev, and .app proves that industry-specific extensions have a market. We might see applications for .saas, .fintech, .crypto, .health, .green, .ev, or .climate.

Geographic and Cultural Extensions

City and regional extensions were popular in the 2012 round (.nyc, .london, .tokyo). The 2026 round could add more cities, especially in emerging markets. Following Domain Summit Africa's success in Nairobi, African and Asian city extensions seem likely.

Brand Extensions

Large corporations applied for branded TLDs in 2012 (.google, .amazon, .apple). More companies may follow, creating closed namespaces for their digital properties.

ICANN85 Mumbai: What to Watch

ICANN85 begins March 7 in Mumbai, India. While the Middle East conflict is disrupting travel — Emirates flights via Dubai have been canceled, and airspace closures are forcing route changes — ICANN has confirmed the meeting will proceed, with remote participation available.

Key topics expected at ICANN85:

• New gTLD round timeline — when applications officially open
• Updated applicant guidebook — final rules for the 2026 round
• Fee structure — whether the $185,000 application fee changes
• String evaluation process — how ICANN will assess new applications

What This Means for Domain Buyers

If you're buying or planning to buy domains, the new gTLD round has several implications:

More Options Are Coming

Within the next 2-3 years, dozens to hundreds of new domain extensions will become available. If you can't find the perfect domain today, a new extension might solve your problem. Search current availability across 400+ extensions on DomyDomains, and watch for new TLDs as they launch.

Don't Wait for New Extensions

While new TLDs are coming, the application-to-launch timeline is typically 2-4 years. If you need a domain now, don't wait. The best domains in existing extensions are being claimed every day.

Existing Premium Extensions Will Hold Value

More competition might seem like it would reduce the value of existing TLDs, but the 2012 round proved otherwise. Despite 1,200+ new extensions launching, .com values continued climbing, and standout new TLDs like .ai and .dev built their own premium markets.

Watch for Sunrise Periods

When new TLDs launch, they typically offer a "sunrise" period where trademark holders can register matching domains before the general public. If you have trademarks, watch for sunrise announcements to protect your brand across new extensions.

The Consolidation Factor

Companies like Nova Registry applying for 200 TLDs and Identity Digital already controlling 280+ extensions mean that a small number of companies will operate most of the internet's domain extensions. This has implications for pricing and competition that buyers should understand.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 new gTLD round is the biggest structural change to the domain name system in over a decade. Hundreds of new extensions will reshape how businesses and individuals choose their internet addresses.

For domain buyers, it means more options but also more complexity. The winners will be those who understand the landscape, act decisively on current opportunities, and stay informed as new extensions emerge.

ICANN85 in Mumbai next week may provide the clearest timeline yet. We'll be watching.

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*Don't wait for new extensions — great domains are available now. Search 400+ TLDs instantly on DomyDomains and find your perfect domain today. Check our domain extensions guide to explore what's already available.*