About .sport domain
.sport is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) delegated under ICANN's New gTLD Program. It was launched following a contention process between multiple applicants. The registry operator for this TLD is SportAccord, which operates it as a community-based gTLD. Its delegation was finalized after the resolution of formal objections, including a successful Community Objection against a competing applicant.
Who can register .sport domain
Registration for a .sport domain is restricted to specific entities within the sports community. Eligible registrants must be recognized performers, organizers, promoters, or supporters of federated sport. Additionally, categories of registrants recognized by the .sport Policy Advisory Board (PAB), which includes bodies like the International Olympic Committee, are also eligible. It is not an open, unrestricted TLD.
How to register .sport domain
- Verify your eligibility by ensuring you or your organization are recognized as a performer, organizer, promoter, or supporter of federated sport, or belong to a category recognized by the .sport Policy Advisory Board.
- Contact an accredited registrar that offers .sport domains to initiate the registration process, which will involve providing proof of your eligibility.
- Submit the required documentation or credentials for validation by the registry or its designated bodies to confirm your status within the sports community.
- Upon approval, complete the registration and configure your domain's DNS settings through your chosen registrar.
Typical uses of .sport domain
The .sport TLD is primarily used by official organizations, federations, and recognized entities within the global sports community. This includes international sports federations, national governing bodies, major event organizers, and professional leagues. It serves as a dedicated namespace for authentic sports-related content, helping these entities establish a clear and trusted online identity distinct from commercial or fan sites. Users choose it to signal official affiliation and commitment to the organized sports ecosystem.
Tips for registering .sport domain
- Registration is subject to eligibility verification; you must provide proof of your status within the federated sports community.
- The TLD operates under community-based policies, which may include ongoing compliance checks or content requirements aligned with its charter.
- Dispute resolution may involve the registry's internal policies alongside standard ICANN mechanisms like the UDRP.
Frequently asked questions about .sport domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .sport domain?
As of today, .sport domains start from $413.77/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $521.83/yr across 5 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .sport domains?
NameBeta tracks 5 registrars that support .sport domain registration, with the cheapest option at $413.77/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .sport domain?
The registry for .sport domains is SportAccord.
Who can register a .sport domain?
Registration is limited to entities formally recognized within the federated sports ecosystem. This includes athletes, teams, federations, event organizers, and official supporters as defined by the Policy Advisory Board. You will need to provide credentials or documentation proving this status during the application process, which is verified by the registry before a domain is allocated.
Can I transfer a .sport domain between registrars?
Transferring a .sport domain to a different registrar follows standard ICANN inter-registrar transfer policy, provided the domain is unlocked and the authorization code is obtained. However, the transfer does not bypass the original eligibility requirements; the new registrant must still be a verified member of the sports community as per the registry's charter to take ownership of the domain.
What happens if my organization's status within the sports community changes after registration?
The registry's community-based policies likely include provisions for maintaining eligibility. If your organization no longer qualifies as a recognized sports entity, you may be in violation of the registration agreement. This could lead to a review process and potential loss of the domain name, so it's important to understand the ongoing compliance requirements.
How does the community objection process affect this TLD's governance?
The TLD was delegated to SportAccord specifically because it won a Community Objection, proving it represented the global sports community. This established it as a community gTLD, meaning its policies are developed with input from a Policy Advisory Board comprising major sports bodies. This governance model influences eligibility rules and the overall use of the namespace.
Are there protections for trademarks within the .sport namespace?
Yes, trademark holders can utilize standard rights protection mechanisms like the Sunrise period and the Trademark Claims service that were available during the launch phase. Ongoing protections include the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). The involvement of major sports bodies in the registry's governance also suggests a strong emphasis on protecting official sports brands and marks.
