The Hobart Devils, Geelong Supercats and Gold Coast Rollers did not return this season.

[1] The 1997 regular season took place over 24 rounds between 11 April 1997 and 29 September 1997.

The top 6 teams qualified for the finals series.

Updated to match(es) played on 29 September 1997.

Source: NBL.com.au The NBL tie-breaker system as outlined in the NBL Rules and Regulations states that in the case of an identical win–loss record, the results in games played between the teams will determine order of seeding.