The 1996–97 Fussball Club Basel 1893 season was their 104th season since the club's foundation. Peter Epting retired from the chairmanship and René C. Jäggi became the club's new chairman following the AGM which was held in November. FC Basel played their home games in the St. Jakob Stadium. Following their promotion in the 1993–94 season this was their third consecutive season in the highest tier of Swiss football.