The 2016–17 Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball season began with practices in October 2016, followed by the start of the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November.
[2][3] The MVC Tournament was held from March 2–5 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
[4] As a result, the Shockers received the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Illinois State received a bid to the National Invitation Tournament.
Shortly after the end of the NCAA Tournament, the Shockers announced their departure for the American Athletic Conference, effective July 1, 2017.