The 1971–72 I liga was the 46th season of the Polish Football Championship and the 38th season of the I liga, the top Polish professional league for association football clubs, since its establishment in 1927.

The league was operated by the Polish Football Association (PZPN).

The defending champions were Górnik Zabrze, who won their 10th Polish title.

The season started on 7 August 1971 and concluded on 28 June 1972 (autumn-spring league).

A total of 14 teams participated, 12 of which competed in the league during the 1970–71 season, while the remaining two were promoted from the 1970–71 II liga.