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New gTLD Program Auctions

News & Views

20 April 2021 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 20 April 2021. View the Auction Schedule as of 20 April 2021 [PDF, 165 KB]

Understanding Auctions

Overview

Contention sets are groups of applications containing identical or confusingly similar applied for gTLD strings. Contention sets must be resolved prior to the execution of a Registry Agreement for an applied-for gTLD string. An ICANN facilitated auction is a last resort for resolving string contention sets, as described in the Applicant Guidebook (AGB) section 4.3.

Auctions will be conducted over the Internet using a procedure known as an ascending-clock auction, where the auctioneer successively increases the start-of-round and end-of-round prices, on a per auction round basis. Applicants within the contention set must submit bids to indicate their willingness to pay an amount within the defined price range in the auction round. As the price of the auction rounds increase, applicants may successively choose to exit the auction. When a sufficient number of applications have exited the auction process, so that the remaining application(s) are no longer in contention with one another, and all the relevant string(s) can be delegated as gTLDs, the auction will be deemed concluded. At this point, prevailing applicants that remained in the auction will pay the finalized price and proceed toward delegation.

The total amount of funding resulting from auctions, will not be known until all relevant applications have completed this step. Auction proceeds will be reserved and earmarked until the uses of funds are determined by the Board through consultation with the community. Click here to view the current status of the Auction proceeds and costs.

Auction Eligibility

A string contention set will be eligible to enter into a New gTLD Program Auction under the following circumstances only:

  • All active applications in the contention set have:
    • Passed evaluation
    • Resolved any applicable GAC advice
    • Resolved any objections
    • No pending ICANN Accountability Mechanisms
  • Each applied-for gTLD in the contention set is:
    • Not classified as "High-Risk" per the Name Collision Occurrence Management Plan

Auction Resources

Questions?

News Archive

21 January 2021 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 21 January 2021. View the Auction Schedule as of 21 January 2021 [PDF, 176 KB]

4 December 2020 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 4 December 2020. View the Auction Schedule as of 4 December 2020 [PDF, 176 KB]

21 October 2019 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 21 October 2019. View the Auction Schedule as of 21 October 2019 [PDF, 136 KB]

12 June 2019 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 12 June 2019. View the Auction Schedule as of 12 June 2019 [PDF, 179 KB]

06 May 2019 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 06 May 2019. View the Auction Schedule as of 06 May 2019 [PDF, 180 KB]

27 September 2018 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 27 September 2018. View the Auction Schedule as of 27 September 2018 [PDF, 329 KB]

30 July 2018 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 30 July 2018. View the Auction Schedule as of 30 July 2018 [PDF, 330 KB]

13 March 2018 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 13 March 2018. View the Auction Schedule as of 13 March 2018 [PDF, 286 KB]

23 January 2018 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 23 January 2018. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

  • View the Auction Schedule as of 23 January 2018 [PDF, 285 KB]
  • The auction forms have also been updated to be fillable forms. The content of the forms has not changed. Please see Auction Resources.

10 November 2017 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 10 November 2017. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

The auction forms have also been updated to be fillable forms. The content of the forms has not changed. Please see Auction Resources.

28 July 2016 – Results Available for 27 July 2016 Auction

An Auction to resolve one (1) New generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) contention set was held on 27 July 2016. The result may be viewed on the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is also updated as of 28 July 2016.

22 July 2016 – Auction on 27 July 2016

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 27 July 2016 at 13:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for one contention set. After the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page.

9 May 2016 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 9 May 2016. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

  • View the Auction Schedule as of 9 May 2016 [PDF, 370 KB]

27 April 2016 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 27 April 2016. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

25 February 2016 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 25 February 2016. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

27 January 2016 – Results Available for 27 January 2016 Auction

An Auction to resolve one (1) New generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) contention set was held on 27 January 2016. The result may be viewed on the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is also updated as of 27 January 2016.

22 January 2016 – Auction on 27 January 2016

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 27 January 2016 at 16:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for one contention set. After the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is updated as of 22 January 2016 to reflect eligible contention sets.

18 November 2015 – Results Available for 18 November 2015 Auction

An Auction to resolve one (1) New generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) contention set was held on 18 November 2015. The result may be viewed on the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is also updated as of 18 November 2015.

11 November 2015 – Auction on 18 November 2015

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 18 November 2015 at 13:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for one contention set. After the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is updated as of 30 October 2015 to reflect eligible contention sets.

30 October 2015 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 30 October 2015. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

30 September 2015 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 30 September 2015. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

17 August 2015 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 17 August 2015. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

20 July 2015 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 20 July 2015. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

13 May 2015 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 13 May 2015. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

23 April 2015 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 23 April 2015. Additional Auctions may be scheduled based on eligibility.

25 March 2015 – Results Available for 25 March 2015 Auction

An Auction to resolve two (2) new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) strings was held on 25 March 2015. The result may be viewed on the Auction Results page.

23 March 2015 – Auction on 25 March 2015 and Updated Auction Schedule

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 25 March 2015 at 13:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for two contention sets. After the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is updated as of 23 March 2015 to reflect eligible contention sets.

6 March 2015 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 6 March 2015 to reflect eligible contention sets as well as the addition of an Auction Date for indirect contention.

25 February 2015 – Results Available for 25 February 2015 Auction

An Auction to resolve one (1) new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) string was held on 25 February 2015. The result may be viewed on the Auction Results page.

24 February 2015 – Public Comment Report and Rules for Indirect Contention Auctions Available

ICANN has released its Report of Public Comments for the New gTLD Auction Rules: Indirect Contention Edition as well as the redline and final versions of the rules. An update to the Bidder Agreement has also been made.

19 February 2015 – Auction on 25 February 2015 and Updated Auction Schedule

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 25 February 2015 at 20:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for one contention set. After the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is updated as of 19 February 2015 to reflect eligible contention sets and accommodated postponement requests.

16 January 2015 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 16 January 2015 to reflect eligible contention sets and accommodated postponement requests.

14 January 2015 – Public Comment Closed: New gTLD Auction Rules for Indirect Contention

ICANN opened a public comment period to gather community input regarding the auction rules for indirect contention. Comments were due by 13 January 2015 at 23:59 UTC. Comments will be reviewed and a summary and analysis report will be published. Once the Auction Rules are finalized, auctions for contention sets with indirect contention will be scheduled. ICANN thanks all those who participated.

17 December 2014 – Results Available for 17 December 2014 Auction

An Auction to resolve two (2) new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) strings was held on 17 December 2014. The result may be viewed on the Auction Results page.

15 December 2014 – Auction on 17 December 2014 and Updated Auction Schedule

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 17 December 2014 at 13:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for two contention sets. After the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is updated as of 12 December 2014 to reflect eligible contention sets and accommodated postponement requests, and revised 2015 Auction Dates.

19 November 2014 – Results Available for 19 November 2014 Auction

An Auction to resolve one (1) new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) string was held on 19 November 2014. The result may be viewed on the Auction Results page.

14 November 2014 – Public Comment Invited and Indirect Auctions Webinar

ICANN has opened a public comment period on the detailed rules for Auctions involving Contention Sets containing Indirect Contention relationships.

ICANN will also host a Webinar on the topic on 3 December 2014 at 17.00 UTC. The webinar will provide an overview of the rules and highlight several examples of how the rules will be applied in an auction.

13 November 2014 – Auction on 19 November 2014 and Updated Auction Schedule

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 19 November 2014 at 20:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for one contention set. After the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is updated as of 13 November 2014 to reflect eligible contention sets and accommodated postponement requests.

3 November 2014 – New gTLD Auction Rules Update

The Auction Rules were recently updated to address feedback provided by the community over the course of several Auctions. The Auction Manager intends to provide an "early bidding" option prior to the standard 30 minutes of Round 1. Please find the latest version in the link below.

22 October 2014 – Results Available for 22 October 2014 Auction

An Auction to resolve three (3) new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) strings was held on 22 October 2014. The results may be viewed on the Auction Results page.

20 October 2014 – Auction on 22 October 2014

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 22 October 2014 at 16:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for three contention sets. Within seven days after the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page.

10 October 2014 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 10 October 2014 to reflect eligible contention sets as well as accommodated postponements, which were provided to those where each member of the contention set requested a postponement. In addition, April and May 2015 Auction Dates have been added to the Planned Auction Date chart.

30 September 2014 – New gTLD Auction Rules Update

The Auction Rules were recently updated to clarify the use of the Auction Date Advancement/Postponement Request Form. The form is due at least 45 days prior to a scheduled Auction Date. In addition, clarification is added to the default process. If a Winner is declared in default, any remaining Bidder that withdraws its Application from the New gTLD Program will not be eligible to receive an offer to have its Application accepted. Please find the latest version in the link below.

17 September 2014 – Results Available for 17 September 2014 Auction

An Auction to resolve three (3) new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) strings was held on 17 September 2014. The results and Auction Reports may be viewed on the Auction Results page.

11 September 2014 – Auction on 17 September 2014 and Updated Auction Schedule

An Auction, facilitated by Power Auctions LLC, the Auction Manager, will be held on 17 September 2014 at 13:00 UTC. The Auction will resolve string contention for three contention sets. After the Auction is complete, results will be posted to the Auction Results page. The Auction Schedule is updated as of 11 September 2014 to reflect eligible contention sets and accommodated postponement requests.

11 August 2014 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 11 August 2014. This version is updated to reflect the 2015 Auction Dates for January, February, and March. Also reflected is the finalization of the Name Collision Occurrence Management Framework as it pertains to the Auction Schedule. Because the Framework is now finalized, postponement requests on this basis will no longer be accommodated.

10 July 2014 – Auction Date Advancement/Postponement Request Form

The Auction Date Advancement Form is updated to provide the option to request a postponement of the Auction Date. ICANN may accommodate one postponement request per contention set provided all members of the contention set request the postponement. For additional details on the process, please view the form below:

30 June 2014 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 30 June 2014. This version is updated to reflect the accommodated postponement requests due to the anticipated timeline for the finalization of the Name Collision Occurrence Management Framework.

4 June 2014 – Results of First Auction

On 4 June 2014 ICANN through its authorized auction services provider, Power Auctions LLC, completed the first auction to resolve a contention set for a new generic Top-level Domain (gTLD) string. Beijing Tele-info Network Technology Co., LTD. prevailed in the auction for the winning price of $600,000.

29 May 2014 – Updated Auction Schedule

The Auction Schedule is updated as of 29 May 2014. This version is updated to reflect the accommodated postponement requests due to the anticipated timeline for the finalization of the Name Collision Occurrence Management Framework.

19 May 2014 – New gTLD Auction Rules Update

The Auction Rules were recently updated. Please find the latest version in the link below. The current version and a redline copy of the prior version are also available in the Auction Resources section of the New gTLD Microsite.

8 May 2014 – New gTLD Auction Schedule, Advancement Request Form and Bidder Training Videos

The first Auction Event is scheduled for 4 June 2014. Auction notifications have been issued to members of eligible contention sets. There are also several new and updated items below and also available in the Auction Resources section of the New gTLD Microsite.

Read the Announcement

24 April 2014 – Wilmington Trust named as the escrow provider for Auctions

ICANN and Power Auctions LLC are pleased to announce Wilmington Trust, National Association (Wilmington Trust) as the escrow provider for the New gTLD Auctions. Module 4 of the Applicant Guidebook prescribes Auctions as the method of last resort to resolve string contention. Participation in an auction requires the bidders to submit a deposit prior to the Auction; these deposits establish the bidding limits for the bidder in the Auction. Wilmington Trust will hold the deposits in escrow until the Auction completes.

9 April 2014 – Updated Bidder Agreement and Resources

ICANN released an updated Bidder Agreement for New gTLD Auctions that addresses concerns raised during ICANN 49 in Singapore. The Auction Rules have been updated to align with new clauses in the Bidder Agreement. Applicants that submitted Bidder Agreement version 2014-02-26 prior to 9 April 2014 should execute the Bidder Agreement Amendment (current version under Auction Resources) and submit to ICANN via a Customer Portal case.

3 April 2014 – New gTLD Auction Rules

19 March 2014 – New gTLD Auction Schedule and Intent to Auction Notifications initiated

The schedule of the upcoming Auctions for unresolved contention sets is now available. The first Auction Event is scheduled for 4 June 2014. Auction notifications have been issued to members of eligible contention sets. Applicants must submit the required bidder materials within 28 days of receiving an Intent to Auction notification.

5 March 2014 – Public Comment Report Available: New gTLD Auction Rules

ICANN reviewed the community's feedback and will implement several updates to the Auction Rules documents.

26 February 2014 – Updates to Auction Resources

5 February 2014 – Public Comment Closed: New gTLD Auction Rules

ICANN opened a public comment period to gather community input regarding the auction rules and other auction materials. Comments were due by 4 February 2014 at 23:59 UTC. Once finalized, Auctions will be conducted to assist applicants in resolving string contention.

7 November 2013 – New gTLD Auctions Webinar Materials

Date/Time: 7 November 2013, 22:00 – 23:00 UTC

An in-depth discussion on the Auctions process and what to expect.

7 November 2013 – Auctions Webinar

An in-depth discussion on the Auctions process, including an overview, proposed timeframes and deadlines, and preliminary key rules. ICANN will also gather community input on process elements that will affect parties preparing for Auction.

31 October 2013 – Preliminary Auction Rules

The preliminary New gTLD Program Auction Rules are based on section 4.3.1 of the Applicant Guidebook. This near final version should be reviewed by applicants who are likely to utilize ICANN's New gTLD Program Auction process to resolve string contention. They are being published prior to finalization to facilitate applicant's auction preparations and will be finalized as soon as is operationally feasible.