1996–97 Belgian First Division
Lierse won the title of the 1996–97 season.
Participanting teams
These teams were relegated to the second division at the end of the season:- KV Mechelen
- Cercle [Brugge K.S.V.|Cercle Brugge]
Attendances
| # | Club | Average |
| 1 | Anderlecht | 21,353 |
| 2 | Club Brugge | 12,706 |
| 3 | Standard | 12,088 |
| 4 | Genk | 10,629 |
| 5 | Lierse | 8,118 |
| 6 | Mouscron | 7,476 |
| 7 | STVV | 7,382 |
| 8 | Gent | 7,294 |
| 9 | Aalst | 6,982 |
| 10 | Lommel | 6,529 |
| 11 | Westerlo | 6,312 |
| 12 | Charleroi | 6,088 |
| 13 | Beveren | 5,512 |
| 14 | Lokeren | 5,265 |
| 15 | Harelbeke | 5,176 |
| 16 | Ekeren | 4,912 |
| 17 | RWDM | 4,647 |
| 18 | Antwerp | 3,941 |
Source: