DEL2, also known as DEL II, is the second-level of ice hockey in Germany, below the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (German Ice Hockey League). Founded in 2013, it is administered by the ESBG. In September 2015 the DEL and DEL2 agreed to reintroduce promotion and relegation between the two leagues from the 2017–18 season onwards. The DEL2 champion would then have the opportunity to be promoted, provided it fulfilled the licensing requirements of the DEL, while the last-placed DEL club would be relegated.