The 2016–17 season was Al-Ahli's 41st consecutive season in the top flight of Saudi football and 79th year in existence as a football club. The club started the season facing Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup, winning the game on penalties. As well as this, the club also competed in the Pro League, the AFC Champions League, and the two domestic cups, the Crown Prince Cup and the King Cup. They entered the season as defending champions of both the League and King Cup.