Last Updated: August 2026
The ICANN New gTLD Auction is the final method for addressing contention if not previously resolved during application processing (e.g., withdrawal) or through Community Priority Evaluation (CPE).
An ICANN New gTLD Auction may occur when:
- Multiple applications remain in a contention set after all applicable evaluations, objections, appeals, and other relevant processes have concluded.
- More than one Community Application in the contention set successfully passes CPE.
Once a contention set becomes eligible for auction, ICANN will schedule an auction to determine which applied-for gTLD will be eligible to proceed towards delegation.
For more information, see:
- String Contention and Its Resolution Topic Overview
- 5.2 String Contention and Contention Resolution Procedures of the Applicant Guidebook
- 5.4 Community Priority Evaluation of the Applicant Guidebook
- 5.6 ICANN New gTLD Auction of the Applicant Guidebook