Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
^SC Paderborn were originally relegated from the 2016–17 3. Liga after finishing 18th. However, 1860 Munich, who were relegated from the 2016–17 2. Bundesliga, were unable to obtain a license for the 2017–18 3. Liga. Therefore, SC Paderborn, who submitted a 3. Liga license application, remained in the league for the 2017–18 season.[1][2]
^On 24 April 2017, FSV Frankfurt was deducted nine points for filing in for insolvency.[3] Frankfurt appealed on 27 April 2017.[4] On 4 May 2017, the appeal was rejected from the DFB.[5] Another appeal was turned down on 10 May 2017.[6] Frankfurt accepted the penalty on 17 May 2017.[7]