The 1996–97 Esiliiga is the sixth season of the Esiliiga, second-highest Estonian league for association football clubs, since its establishment in 1992.
Played in fall 1996.
Four best teams qualify to the Premier Division promotion play-off, other four to First Division promotion play-off.
None of the four teams were able to finish above the two teams from Premier Division, so they all remain in the First Division for the upcoming season.
JK Merkuur Tartu and JK Dokker Tallinn promoted from Second Division, while JK Tulevik Viljandi and FC Norma Tallinn were relegated.