The 1996–97 EHF Women's Champions League was the fourth edition of the modern era of the 1961-founded competition for European national champions women's handball clubs, running from 10 October 1996 to 10 May 1997.
The competition system was reformed, as the group stage was expanded from 8 to 16 teams, now replacing the Round of 16, and the quarter-finals and semifinals were reestablished.
Mar Valencia defeated Viborg HK in the final to become the first Spanish team to win the competition.
[1] Defending champion Podravka Koprivnica was defeated by the Danish in the quarter-finals.
[2]