The 1996–97 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team represented Michigan State University in the 1996–97 NCAA Division I men's basketball season.

The team played their home games at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

Michigan State received an invitation to the NIT and advanced to the second round.

The Spartans lost Quinton Brooks (16.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game) to graduation and Jamie Feick (10.1 points and 9.5 rebounds per game) to the NBA draft following the season.

MSU also avenged their 1995 NCAA tournament loss to Weber State by beating the Wildcats in East Lansing.