Upcoming TLDs / .bro
Can you register a .bro domain?
Source: ICANN 2026 round applications, checked October 27, 2026. Not in the IANA root zone as of October 26, 2026.
What .bro would mean
In their own words, from the public part of each application (question 118):
“Bro” means brother in the literal sense, and in informal use it can also mean friend, mate, or guy.
An informal abbreviation for brother, also used for a close male friend.
BRO is an informal term of familiarity, friendship and camaraderie. A short word for people who have each other’s backs.
Who applied for .bro
KV GmbH
DE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of the TLD is to create a distinctive, memorable, and community-oriented namespace for individuals, organizations, brands, and projects that wish to present themselves in a friendly, approachable, and modern way. The string “bro” is globally accessible, and widely recognized in informal communication, which makes it well suited for digital identities that aim to feel relatable, open, and easy to remember. The TLD is intended to support a broad and diverse set of registrants and users, including creators, online communities, fan groups, social initiatives, lifestyle brands, …
ShortDot (Ireland) Limited
IE, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
The mission of .bro is to provide an informal and memorable namespace for social communities, friendship, lifestyle, entertainment and community-oriented brands.
XYZ.COM LLC
US, stage: Pre-Evaluation Processing
1. Mission and purpose. This gTLD will be operated as an open, unrestricted generic top-level domain. Its purpose is to expand naming choice in the DNS by making this term available at the top level for any lawful use chosen by the registrant. Registrations will be available to all registrants on a first-come, first-served basis through ICANN-accredited registrars, subject only to the Registry Agreement, ICANN Consensus Policies, and applicable law. The applicant will not operate this gTLD on an exclusive basis.
What happens next
- April 30, 2026: Application window opened (done)
- August 12, 2026: Application window closed (done)
- October 7, 2026: Reveal Day: ICANN published every applied-for string (done)
- October 21, 2026: Replacement period ended (applicants could switch to a backup string) (done)
- November 17, 2026: String Confirmation Day: the final list of applied-for strings
- March 16, 2027: Community input and objections period ends
Dates from ICANN’s Reveal Day announcement, checked October 27, 2026. We re-check the applications every day and this page changes when they do.
When will .bro be available?
ICANN has not set a date. The final list of applied-for strings comes on String Confirmation Day (November 17, 2026), community input and objections run until March 16, 2027, and ICANN processes applications after a prioritization draw in 2027. Registration opens only after ICANN delegates .bro and its registry announces launch dates.