The 2016–17 EFL Trophy, known as the Checkatrade Trophy for sponsorship reasons, was the 33rd season in the history of the competition, a knock-out tournament for English football clubs in League One and League Two of the English football system and, for the first time, 16 Premier League "B Teams" with Category One status as part of a trial. In all, 64 clubs will enter the competition. Barnsley are the reigning champions but are unable to defend their title following promotion to the Championship.