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Sponsored gTLDs are a distinct category in IANA’s root-zone records. The label tells you the TLD belongs to that category; it does not, by itself, provide every eligibility or registration rule.
Sponsored is an authoritative category
IANA's root-zone records distinguish sponsored TLDs from other generic categories. That makes “sponsored” a useful sourced classification rather than an editorial tag.
What sponsorship represents
Sponsored TLD arrangements are built around a sponsoring organisation and a defined policy framework. The exact community, eligibility rules and policy mechanisms differ by TLD and agreement.
A directory should not turn the category into a universal rule such as “only members may register.” Read the specific TLD's authoritative policy sources.
How to model it
Store iana_type: sponsored as a factual classification. Store any separate ICANN contractual category independently. Then link the registry agreement or policy source for the details that vary.
Primary sources
These are the primary references this guide is designed around. When implementation data disagrees with editorial copy, the primary source wins.