Due to the suspended relegation in the preseason due to the COVID-19 pandemic , 19 instead of the 14 planned teams are now playing in the league. In a conference with the clubs, two game systems were put to the vote. The majority of clubs decided to split the league again into north and south seasons. The DFB then followed the vote. In order to get back to the target strength of 14 teams in two years, there will be more relegated teams.
The season is played in two seasons, as there were no relegations in the preseason. The two season winners rise. In order to play single-track again next season, as planned, five teams will be relegated. The two seventh-placed teams will then determine another relegation game in a relegation game.