April 2026 - SubPro-IRT - lists.icann.org

Updated AGB with Minor Revisions Published Today
by Jared Erwin May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

Dear IRT Members, An updated version of the AGB with minor revisions has been published. * See announcement here: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-makes-minor-revisions-…. * Updated AGB here: https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/sites/default/files/documents/new-gtld-pro… (Note you made need to clear your cache to see the V2-2026.04.24) The minor revisions included in this version were all discussed with the SPIRT and are noted in the SPIRT Change Log<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/x/LIC9Lg>. Thank you, Jared -- Jared Erwin Senior Director, New gTLD Program Global Domains & Strategy Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) jared.erwin(a)icann.org<mailto:jared.erwin@icann.org>

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New gTLD Program: 2026 Round now accepting applications
by Jared Erwin April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026

Dear IRT Members, The New gTLD Program: 2026 Round application submission period is now open. Please see the announcement here: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-opens-application-wind…. Congrats to all on this tremendous achievement! Best Jared -- Jared Erwin Senior Director, New gTLD Program Global Domains & Strategy (GDS) Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) jared.erwin(a)icann.org<mailto:jared.erwin@icann.org>

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Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes
by Elisa Busetto April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026

Dear all, We would like to inform you that we will be hosting a series of webinars on objections and appeals. Please see the announcement: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-launches-webinar-serie… Best regards, Elisa

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Updated ASP Statistics - April 2026
by Samantha Mancia April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

Dear SubPro IRT Members, I hope you are well. I am writing to let you know that the ASP Statistics have been updated on the website<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-…> as of 19 April 2026. Please find a summary of the changes since last month below: ASP Application Status Metrics * Submitted * Total: 51 * Change over last month: -6 (status progressed from submitted to evaluation completed) * Evaluation Completed * Total: 25 * Change over last month: +6 * Withdrawn * Total: 2 * Change over last month: N/A * Terminated * Total: 0 * Change over last month: N/A ASP Applications Evaluation Results * Conditionally Approved (pending payment) * Total: 3 * Change over last month: -4 (status progressed from conditionally approved to fully approved) * Fully Approved (payment received) * Total: 22 * Change over last month: +10 * Not Eligible for Support* * Total: 0 * Change over last month: N/A * Please note that "Not Eligible for Support" includes applications that may still be eligible for extended evaluation, therefore this number could change. You can find additional detail and breakdowns by region and eligible entity type on the ASP statistics webpage [newgtldprogram.icann.org]<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-…>. Kind Regards, Samantha Mancia New gTLD Program Manager Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Office Telephone: +1 310 301 5800 www.icann.org<http://www.icann.org>

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Call for Expressions of Interest: 2026 Round Independent Objectors
by Elisa Busetto April 15, 2026

April 15, 2026

Dear all, We would like to inform you that the Call for Expressions of Interest for Independent Objectors has been published: https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/call-for-expressions-of-inte… Best regards, Elisa

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Public Comment on Draft CPE Evaluation Guide
by Jared Erwin April 14, 2026

April 14, 2026

Dear IRT Members, Following on the announcement<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-announces-community-pr…> of the CPE vendor, I am writing regarding next steps for the public comment on the CPE Evaluation Guide. Relevant here are two SubPro Recs: 34.12 and 34.16 (for your reference, I have copied these into the bottom of this email). Specifically, I would appreciate the IRT’s input on the timing and length of the public comment. We are hopeful that we can open the public comment early next week. However, the RFP and contracting process took more time than expected, which means that we have less time before the opening of the round to both conduct the public comment and finalize the Evaluation Guide. We believe there are two options: 1. A shortened public comment period (30 days, closing the week of 20 April). This would allow us to complete the public comment and attempt to have a final draft before 30 April. The downside is that there is less time for community groups to develop their comments and for ICANN to consider those comments. 2. ICANN could conduct the public comment for the standard time (40 days), which would mean that the period closes after 30 April (likely week of 4 May), and the report and updated draft would be published after the round opens (likely week of 18 May). ICANN believes that the second option would ensure that community groups have sufficient time to develop comments and for ICANN and the CPE vendor to consider any feedback while still meeting the spirit of recommendations 34.12 and 34.16—the guide will be published (in draft form) prior to the opening of the round. ICANN anticipates that any changes to the document following the public comment would be minor. Additionally, the finalized guide would be available well before the closing of the application submission period. Given these options, does the IRT have any input? I would appreciate any feedback as soon as possible. Thank you very much! Best, Jared Relevant SubPro Recs Recommendation 34.12: The process to develop evaluation and selection criteria that will be used to choose a Community Priority Evaluation Provider (CPE Provider) must include mechanisms to ensure appropriate feedback from the ICANN community. In addition, any terms included in the contract between ICANN org and the CPE Provider regarding the CPE process must be subject to public comment. Recommendation 34.16: All Community Priority Evaluation procedures (including any supplemental dispute provider rules) must be developed and published before the opening of the application submission period and must be readily and publicly available.

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