Germany - Bundesliga 2

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ESPN » Seasons 2020-2026 Available on: ESPN+ » ESPN+ will stream Bundesliga 2 matches in USA, following an agreement with the German football association. The deal, which is set to run until 2026, will see ESPN+ carry out its coverage on the ESPN App. ESPN App

The 2. Bundesliga is the second division of professional football in Germany, below the top-flight Bundesliga. It was founded in 1974 and is run by the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL).

The 2. Bundesliga is contested by 18 teams and operates on the promotion and relegation system. Each club plays a total of 34 matches in a season (17 at home and 17 away).

At the end of the season, the best two teams are promoted to the Bundesliga, along with the winner of the play-offs. The two lowest clubs are relegated to the 3. Liga. The third-last team is allowed to defend its league place in a playoff against the third-placed team of the 3. Liga.

On the contrary, the two top clubs in the 3. Liga earn automatic promotion to replace the teams relegated from the 2. Bundesliga. Teams in the 2. Bundesliga are eligible to participate in the DFB-Pokal, a German knockout football cup competition which is held annually.

A 2. Bundesliga club can participate in the UEFA Europa League via the DFB-Pokal.