CEO: Namecheap “Most Likely” to Exit Afternic Network

I don’t always check where my Afternic-sold domain names are transferred post-sale, but I have noticed quite a few transfer to Namecheap. This is because Namecheap is a part of Afternic’s network, and Afternic-listed domain names show up in the Namecheap registration search path.

This may not be the case for much longer, according to Namecheap CEO Richard Kirkendall. In a reply to a conversation on X, Richard indicated that Namecheap will “most likely” exit the Afternic network, eliminating a very large source of buyer leads:

Sedo is on deck and will be released soon. Afternic/Godaddy on the otherhand does not want to integrate with Spaceship. Maybe they see it as a threat for some reason. We’ll most likely be exiting Namecheap from that network soon because of this.

— Richard Kirkendall (@NamecheapCEO) June 3, 2024

Following up on this comment, Richard implied that domain name sellers would have to have their domain names listed for sale via Sedo’s MLS network in order to have their domain names shown to people seeking to buy domain names at Namecheap:

Domainers will basically have to choose between being in the Namecheap registration path or the GD registration path. I think search volume wise, Namecheap is up there with GD now so it won’t be insignificant.

— Richard Kirkendall (@NamecheapCEO) June 3, 2024

Richard replied to other people – including a comment from Jamie Zoch – so you’ll want to see his timeline for additional information about this.

I am not privy to any details beyond what I read on X, but my take on this is that GoDaddy (Afternic) and Namecheap are negotiating its continued inclusion in the Afternic network, and at this point it is not looking like Namecheap will remain much longer. Spaceship, a smaller sister registrar to Namecheap, is not currently part of the network. If that’s the case, domain investors need to know what may be on the horizon and have a choice to make regarding where they list their domain names with visibility and commission differences in the balance.

I reached out to reps from GoDaddy shortly before publishing this, and I will share any commentary if/when they reply. They’re all probably at Namescon, so a response may not be imminent.