The Owls, led by third-year head coach Mike Rhoades, played their home games at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, Texas as members of Conference USA.

They defeated Southern Miss in the first round of the C-USA tournament before losing in the quarterfinals to UTEP.

The Owls were picked to finish in ninth place in the preseason Conference USA poll.

[3] Marcus Evans was selected to the preseason All-Conference USA team.

[3] Sources: Roster 2016–17 Rice Owls women's basketball team