---
title: "What Is String contention? Domain Glossary | Grit Brokerage"
description: "String contention happens when two or more applicants want the same new TLD, or strings that are too similar. The group of competing applications is a..."
url: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/string-contention
publisher: Grit Brokerage
contact: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/contact
offer: https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/inquiry
---

Industry and events

# String contention

String contention happens when two or more applicants want the same new TLD, or strings that are too similar. The group of competing applications is a contention set.

## Why it matters

Only one applicant can run a given TLD. ICANN's 2026 round published its list of contention sets with the application reveal. An ICANN auction resolves contention among applicants in a set, and ICANN states that its program processes are the only permitted route. Auction prices can run high. For domain buyers, this decides who runs a TLD and when. A common mistake is expecting a new extension on a set date. Contention can delay it for years.

Source: [newgtldprogram.icann.org](https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/2026-round-general/string-contention-resolution/faqs/icann-new-gtld-auction/what-is-the-purpose-of-an-icann-new-gtld-auction)

## Where we use this term

-   [ICANN's 2026 gTLD Round: What 1,615 Applications Mean](https://gritbrokerage.preview.multisites.ai/post/icann-2026-new-gtld-round-what-it-means)

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