A total of 16 teams contested the league, including 13 sides from the 2016 season and three promoted from the 2016 Segundona - Bravos do Maquis, J.G.M.
Clube Desportivo Primeiro de Agosto were the defending champions from the 2016 season.
On January 23, 2017, Benfica de Luanda issued a press release stating that it would no longer participate in the Girabola, with effect from 2017 and until further notice, citing financial reasons, and that the club would focus on its youth academy and in turning the club into a sports company.
[3] On February 10, 2017, during the inaugural match between home team Santa Rita de Cássia and Recreativo do Libolo, one of the access gates of Estádio 4 de Janeiro collapsed as supporters tried to force their way into the stadium.
[5] As the club was struggling with financial trouble, they had initially been awarded a 3-0 defeat in their round 20 home match against Progresso do Sambizanga.