The season began on 19 August 2016 and concluded on 28 May 2017; the relegation play-offs will follow.
A total of 12 teams are competing in the league: 10 sides from the 2015–16 season and two promoted from the Liga e Parë.
Qualification for the UEFA Champions League will be determined at the end of the season, pending re-evaluation of the league's adherence to UEFA Financial Fair Play Regulations and stadium standards.
[2] Istogu and Vushtrria were relegated after finishing the previous season in eleventh and twelfth-place respectively.
The ninth and tenth-placed teams, Drita and Ferizaj respectively, each paired off against the third and fourth-placed teams from the 2016–17 First Football League of Kosovo season, Vllaznia and Dukagjini respectively; the two winners will play in the top-flight next season.