The 2001–02 Deutsche Eishockey Liga season was the 8th season since the founding of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (English: German Ice Hockey League). The league also introduced a new logo, that will stay in use until the 2011-2012 season.

The Kölner Haie won the DEL Championship the second time in their history, making it the eighth time they held the German Champion title.

Relegation was reintroduced for this season and after a playdown the Berlin Capitals were relegated to the 2nd Bundesliga. This would not be the only teams leaving the league, as the DEL withdrew the license for the Moskitos Essen and Revierlöwen Oberhausen. The Revierlöwen Oberhausen were not able to provide an DEL-sized arena and the Moskitos Essen were insolvent.

The first 8 placed teams qualified for the playoffs. The last two were heading for a playdown series to determine the team to relegate.

The two last placed, Berlin Capitals and Schwenninger Wild Wings played a playdown best-of-seven series to determine who will be relegated.

The Berlin Capitals were to be relegated. Irrespective of their misfortunes on the ice, they would not have been able to join the DEL for the next season, as the league withdrew their license for non-compliance with the regulations.

The playoffs were played in a best-of-five mode.