NorthEast United started their campaign on a high note with two consecutive wins over Kerala Blasters and Goa.

In their final match of regular league phase NorthEast United needed a win against Kerala Blasters to proceed further, which they ended up losing 1–0 by conceding a goal at 66th minute.

[5] After the end of season, NorthEast United parted ways with coach Nelo Vingada on mutual consent.

[7] NorthEast United announced on 17 July 2017 that João Carlos Pires de Deus will be taking over as head coach.

In ISL draft held on 23 July 2017, NorthEast United retained defenders Nirmal Chettri and Reagan Singh and midfielder Fanai Lalrempuia.

NorthEast United added eight new players from draft, goalkeepers Ravi Kumar and Gurpreet Singh Chabhal, defenders Robert Lalthlamuana, Gursimrat Singh Gill and Abdul Hakku, midfielders Lalrindika Ralte, Malemngamba Meitei and Sushil Meitei.

[14] On 13 September, NorthEast United announced their eight foreign singing namely defenders Martín Díaz, Sambinha and José Gonçalves, midfielders Adilson and Marcinho and forwards Luis Páez, Odaïr Fortes and Wellington da Silva on their official Twitter account from series of Tweets.

[24] Squad gather in Imphal on 17 October for 10-day pre-season training camp where they played an exhibition match against NEROCA[25] which ended as 2–0 in favor of NorthEast United.