The 2016–17 Professional U23 Development League is the fifth season of the Professional Development League system, and the first since the age limit was raised from under-21 to under-23.
The Professional U23 Development League 2, also known as U23 PDL-2 is split into two regional divisions.
At the end of the season, the teams finishing in the top two positions of both divisions will meet in the knockout stage to determine the overall league champion.
20 Teams competed this season, 1 fewer than last time.
Brentford withdrawing at the end of last season after they closed their academy meant Coventry City moved to the south division for an even distribution of 10 teams per division.