In the 2002 season , eight teams each played in the two groups, North and South. From the next 2003/04 season, the 1st Bundesliga was single-track with twelve teams. The placement this season also served as a qualification for the reduction from 16 to twelve. As before, the 2nd Bundesliga was played in the two groups North and South, but the number of teams increased from eight to ten. Overall, therefore, it remained at 32 Bundesliga clubs. The season started on April 27, 2002 and ended on October 20, 2002.
The sixth of the groups played with the respective group winners of the 2nd Bundesliga to stay or move up to the 1st division. The game was played with a return leg. In both cases, the first division won.