Peter Epting retired from the chairmanship and René C. Jäggi became the club's new chairman following the AGM which was held in November.

Karl Engel was trainer at the start of the season, but he was replaced by Heinz Hermann in March 1997.

Hermann only remained manager for a few weeks and was replaced by Salvatore Andracchio (ad interim) until the end of the season.

A number of players had left the club during the off-season, Ike Shorunmu transferred to Zürich, Mario Cantaluppi moved to Servette and Gabriel Okolosi to Young Boys.

[4] In the 1996 UEFA Intertoto Cup Basel played in group 7 together with Rotor Volgograd, Antalyaspor, Shakhtar Donetsk and Ataka-Aura Minsk.

They drew at home with Shakhtar, but lost the in Russia against Volgograd who ended at the top of the group and continued to the next round.

It also includes players that were in the squad the day the season started on 10 July 1996 but subsequently left the club after that date.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.