League positions of the previous season shown in parentheses (TH: Title holders, LQF: Losing quarter-finalists).

The schedule of the competition is as follows (draw held in Mieres, Spain, on 10 September 2016).

The other 3 seeded teams, Barcelona, Forte dei Marmi and Liceo, were automatically placed in groups B, C and D, respectively.

Sporting CP made its debut appearance in the group stage.

[2] The knockout phase comprises a quarter-final round and the final four tournament.