Mamelodi Sundowns were the defending champions, having won the previous 2015–16 South African Premier Division (PSL) season.
The season featured 14 teams from the 2015–16 season and two new teams promoted from the 2015–16 National First Division: Baroka and Highlands Park who replace relegated Jomo Cosmos and University of Pretoria.
Highlands Park promotion was won via the PSL Playoff Tournament.
[2][3] The sale of Free State Stars franchise to Moroka Swallows fell through.
[4][5] Football teams in South Africa tend to use multiple stadiums over the course of a season for their home games.