78 teams contested, beginning on 1 June 1996 and ending at the final on 8 May 1997.
Roda JC beat sc Heerenveen 4–2 and won the cup for the first time.
The matches of the group stage were played between August 15 and October 1, 1996.
E Eredivisie; 1 Eerste Divisie; A Amateur teams The matches of the first knock-out round were played on November 27, 1996.
The four highest ranked Eredivisie teams from last season entered the tournament this round.