The domain name landscape is about to shift again. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has confirmed that the next round of new gTLD applications will open in April 2026. For businesses, entrepreneurs, marketers, and domain investors, this represents a rare opportunity to secure premium online real estate.
Whether you’re interested in applying for your own top-level domain or leveraging existing options like .vegas, here’s everything you need to know—including key dates, strategic insights, and why this is the time to act.
The next round is expected to follow the completion of ICANN’s Applicant Guidebook (AGB) in May 2025. This document outlines all the rules and processes for applying for a new gTLD. Once finalized, ICANN will spend a year preparing systems to manage applications.
* Projected application window: April 2026
* Expected duration: 12–15 weeks
If you’re planning to apply for a custom domain extension, now is the time to begin your strategy.
ICANN’s new gTLD program isn’t just about adding more domains. It’s part of a broader vision to:
New gTLDs will include niche, industry-specific, or community-driven extensions—giving users more relevant and memorable domain name options.
Opening the space to new registries increases competition, drives innovation, and can lead to better pricing and service quality.
ICANN’s program will support 26 scripts, including Arabic, Chinese, and Cyrillic. This opens up the internet to more global users through Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs).
One of the most talked-about trends for this round is the growth of GeoTLDs—domain extensions tied to cities or regions (like .paris, .tokyo, or .nyc). These location-based domains are increasingly valuable for:
A GeoTLD builds trust, adds local relevance, and boosts visibility in location-based search.
Only four U.S. cities currently have their own approved City TLDs. One of the most iconic is .vegas.
Whether you’re running a local business, promoting a Vegas-based event, or targeting visitors, a .vegas domain strengthens your brand identity.
With attention turning toward ICANN’s 2026 round, demand for high-profile extensions like .vegas is expected to grow. These domains are finite—once a specific name is claimed, it’s off the market.
The 2026 round will reshape how businesses, creators, and innovators build their digital presence. Expect to see:
Whether you want to apply for your own gTLD or simply benefit from one like .vegas, the time to act is now.
Don’t wait until premium domains are taken. Secure your .vegas domain today and join the growing network of innovators defining the next era of the web.
