These are wild, interesting – and good – times for managed service providers. So much so that we’ve heard a litany of valid reasons why some haven’t been able to finish their MSP 501 applications. Because of that, we’re extending the deadline for a week to May 8.

The response has been overwhelming with many applications in process and many questions. We’ve heard from a bunch of MSPs who’ve been busy with acquisitions, mergers, re-branding and just putting out the customers’ fires that MSPs always deal with. They want to apply and just need a few more days. And we don’t want to shut them out, so now they have a few more days.

And some MSPs just always wait until the last minute and they ran out of time. You know who you are, but we won’t name you. Not this year anyway.

• To apply, go here: 2026 MSP 501 application.

You also have until May 8 to apply for MSP 501 Special Awards, if you haven’t already.  MSP 501 Special Awards include MSP of the Year, MSP Executive of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement. If you’ve submitted your MSP 501 application and haven’t applied for any Special Awards, you also have until May 8 to do so.

If you haven’t even started the process, let us remind you about the importance of the MSP 501. It’s a chance for long-established leaders and rising stars to gain visibility and credibility in the channel. If your MSP has gone through ownership or branding changes – or is just brand new – the MSP 501 list is the perfect way to introduce or re-introduce yourself to the market.

See the 2025 MSP 501 list.

Other MSP 501 Awards

 Even if your company doesn’t meet the traditional revenue thresholds for the MSP 501, your application could lead to recognition in one of our additional categories:

• MSPs to Watch: Highlighting up-and-coming MSPs with strong growth potential, high recurring revenue percentages, and a focus on managed services.
• Next Generation: Celebrating trailblazing MSPs excelling in areas like managed services, professional services, recurring cloud services, and innovative technologies.

After completing your MSP 501 application, you’ll be redirected to apply for additional awards, including MSP of the Year, Executive of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Vanguard of the Year, Digital Innovator of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year.

What You’ll Need to Apply for MSP 501

We judge nominations based on metrics refined every year by a panel of industry experts. We look at data such as total revenue, recurring revenue, growth, 2026 forecasts and other stats. We do not require MSPs to disclose profit or EBITDA, but will give bonus points for companies that share that information. Another crucial factor we use to judge is how much the MSP invests back in the business to accelerate growth.

Here is what MSPs need to apply: 2024 and 2025 financials including revenue, managed services, recurring revenue, and company demographics such as headcount and ownership. In addition, the form asks for  2026 forecasts as well as cybersecurity, cloud, and AI.

We do not share or disclose any company specific data.

For more information, check out these videos:

Inside the 2026 MSP 501: What it is & Why it Matter

What it Takes to Qualify For the 2026 MSP 501

The 2026 MSP 501 Application Checklist

The 2026 MSP 501 Special Awards

What it Takes to Qualify For the 2026 MSP 501's Next Generation

Marcial Velez, CEO of Xperteks, Shares the Value of Earning a Spot on the MSP 501