Prior to the season, the Füchse Duisburg voluntarily left the league due to financial hardship.

Bundesliga had an opportunity to join the league, but canceled their licensing application.

During the previous season it became obvious that the Ice Tigers were in a dire financial situation.

This led to the corporate sponsor Bionorica pulling their support in March 2009.

An investor group led by local jeweler Thomas Sabo intervened on 3 April 2009, pre-empting bankruptcy proceedings and ensuring participation in the 2009–10 season.