The Austrian 2. Liga is the second-highest professional division in Austrian football, serving as the primary feeder league to the Bundesliga. It typically consists of 16 teams playing a double round-robin format across 30 matchdays. The champion wins automatic promotion to the Bundesliga, while the runner-up may enter a promotion playoff against a team from the top flight. The bottom two teams are relegated to the Regionalliga, the third tier. The 2. Liga is known for its competitive intensity and mix of ambitious clubs, including reserve teams of Bundesliga sides (though they are ineligible for promotion) and traditional clubs with passionate followings. It is a vital league for player development, offering a platform for young talents to prove themselves in a professional environment.