Namecheap applies for 40 new TLDs in ICANN 2026 round

Namecheap has entered the registry business by applying for 40 new top-level domains (TLDs) in ICANN’s 2026 application round. The company, traditionally known as the second-largest domain registrar, is expanding its role through a newly formed entity called Starlight Registry. The portfolio targets technical and commercial sectors, but 15 of the applied-for strings already appear in rival portfolios, raising the prospect of contention disputes.

The applications and overlap

The 40 strings range from generic terms like .mart and .craft to tech-focused extensions such as .brain, .matrix, and .grid. None of these TLDs currently exist in the root zone, meaning Namecheap would be building registrant demand from scratch. The $227,000 application fee per string brings the total cost to approximately $9.1 million before any auction expenses.

Fifteen of the 40 strings overlap with portfolios published by three other applicants: Link Freedom Group, Journey to the West, and Endpoint Domains. However, the significance of these overlaps is unclear. Neither Link Freedom Group nor Journey to the West distinguishes between original applied-for strings and replacement strings—secondary choices submitted in case of contention. Under ICANN rules, an overlap only triggers identical-string contention if the rival’s string is also an original application. If a rival lists a string as a replacement, no contention arises, even if Namecheap’s application is original.

The trade report that disclosed the applications notes that five additional strings sit close to rival portfolios without matching exactly. For example, .maker, .mod, and .lab do not appear in the 15 overlaps but could still face contention if ICANN’s String Similarity Evaluation deems them visually confusing. The 2026 round also introduces a singular and plural notification process, which may affect pairs like .lab and .labs.

Strategic shift and industry dynamics

Namecheap’s move reflects a broader trend of registrars seeking registry roles. As a registrar, the company earns margins by selling domains operated by third-party registries. As a registry, it would set wholesale prices and collect fees on every domain in its namespace, regardless of which registrar sells it. Hillan Klein, Namecheap’s CEO, described the shift as a "natural extension" of the company’s existing business, emphasizing active development of the namespaces rather than passive asset acquisition.

However, the transition introduces conflicts. A registry owned by a major registrar must secure distribution through competing registrars, which may hesitate to promote a rival’s TLDs. Since a new namespace’s success depends on registrar adoption, winning an auction is only the first step—convincing competitors to stock the TLDs may prove more costly.

The portfolio’s focus on AI, infrastructure, and commercial terms suggests Namecheap is betting on future demand in these sectors. One string, .intel, stands out for potential trademark risks, as it overlaps with a well-known computing brand. If the applications proceed, .intel could face legal rights objections or heightened scrutiny during ICANN’s evaluation process.

Unanswered questions

Namecheap has not issued a press release about the applications, and its newsroom shows no updates since April. The trade report that broke the story remains the sole public source, and Starlight Registry lacks a dedicated website. Most critically, it is unclear whether Namecheap will build its own registry infrastructure or partner with an existing back-end provider. This decision will determine whether the company is truly operating as a registry or merely acquiring assets.

ICANN’s Reveal Day, expected by mid-October, will clarify the full scope of applications and contention sets. Until then, the industry can only speculate on how many of Namecheap’s 40 strings will proceed to delegation—and whether the company’s registrar peers will embrace them.