It was FC Cincinnati's first season as a second-tier team in the U.S. soccer pyramid, as the United States Soccer Federation provisionally promoted the USL from Division III to Division II for the 2017 season.

The season is best remembered for FC Cincinnati's championship run in the U.S. Open Cup.

[2] The club announced on October 21, 2016 that assistant coach Ryan Martin would not be returning for the 2017 season.

[9] On January 6, 2017, the club announced the signings of Andy Craven, Marco Dominguez, and Aaron Walker (who was selected from the public tryout).

[10] On February 6, 2017, the club announced they acquired striker, Victor Mansaray, on loan from Seattle Sounders FC.