A total of 36 teams contested the league divided into three groups, Lohko A (Group A), Lohko B (Group B) and Lohko C (Group C). 25 returning from the 2016 season, two relegated from Ykkönen and nine promoted from Kolmonen. The champion of each group and the best runner-up will qualify to promotion matches to decide which two teams get promoted to the Ykkönen. The bottom three teams in each group will qualify directly for relegation to Kolmonen. Each team will play a total of 22 matches, playing twice against each team of its group.
KTP and FC Jazz were relegated from the 2016 Ykkönen, while FC Honka and IF Gnistan were promoted to the 2017 Ykkönen.
At the end of the season, a comparison is made between the runners-up. The best runner-up will qualify to promotion matches.
Group winners and the best runner-up will play two-legged ties. Team pairs will be drawn and the two winning teams will be promoted to the Ykkönen for season 2017.
Group winners
The best runner-up<br> Klubi 04
AC Kajaani won 6âÂÂ3 on aggregate.
Klubi 04 won 9âÂÂ1 on aggregate.