2016–17 Mid-American Conference women's basketball season

The 2016–17 Mid-American Conference women's basketball season began with practices in October 2016, followed by the start of the 2016–17 NCAA Division I women's basketball season in November. Conference play began in January 2017 and concluded in March 2017. Central Michigan won the regular season title with a record of 15–3 by one game over Ball State. Larissa Lurken of Kent State was named MAC Player of the Year.

Sixth-seeded Toledo won the MAC tournament by beating fourth-seeded Northern Illinois in the final. Toledo was placed as the #10 seed in the Stockton Region of the NCAA tournament. They lost to Creighton. Central Michigan, Ball State, Kent State, Ohio, and Northern Illinois all qualified for the WNIT.

Preseason awards
The preseason coaches' poll and league awards were announced by the league office on October 27, 2016.

Preseason women's basketball coaches poll
(First place votes in parentheses)

East Division

 * 1) Ohio (9) 69
 * 2) Buffalo (3) 60
 * 3) Akron 48
 * 4) Bowling Green 30
 * 5) Miami 27
 * 6) Kent State 18

West Division

 * 1) Central Michigan (12) 72
 * 2) Ball State 53
 * 3) Toledo 53
 * 4) Western Michigan 34
 * 5) Northern Illinois 25
 * 6) Eastern Michigan 15

Regular Season Champion
Central Michigan (6), Ohio (5), Buffalo (1)

Tournament champs
Central Michigan (7), Ohio (4), Buffalo (1)

Postseason awards

 * 1) Coach of the Year: Todd Starkey, Kent State
 * 2) Player of the Year: Larissa Lurken, Kent State
 * 3) Freshman of the Year: Lauren Dickerson, Miami
 * 4) Defensive Player of the Year: Tinara Moore, Central Michigan
 * 5) Sixth Man of the Year: Destiny Washington, Ball State