Systems and methods for wireless device initiated sharing of a Channel Occupancy Time (COT) in a wireless system operating in unlicensed spectrum are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device for wireless device initiated sharing of a COT in a wireless system operating in unlicensed spectrum comprises performing a Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) procedure, where a result of the LBT procedure is an LBT success. The method further comprises transmitting, to a base station, one or more messages that initiate COT sharing between the wireless device and one or more additional wireless devices and receiving COT information from the base station. The COT information is information related to a shared COT to be used by the wireless device and one or more additional wireless devices. The method further comprises cooperating with the base station to utilize the shared COT.