The 1996–97 Yemeni League is the fifth edition of top-level football in Yemen.
The season started in November 1996 and ended in June 1997.
Al Wahda Sana'a' won the title.
Al-Taliya Taizz and Al-Shurta Aden were relegated from 1994 to 1995 Yemeni League after finishing the season in the bottom two places of the league table.
League champions Al-Ittihad (Ibb) and runners-up Al Sha'ab Sana'a secured direct promotion to the Yemeni League.