The 1997 Challenge Cup, known as the Silk Cut Challenge Cup for sponsorship reasons, was the 96th staging of the Challenge Cup, a European rugby league cup competition. The competition ended with the final on 3 May 1997, which was played at Wembley Stadium. The trophy was won and successfully defended by St Helens, who beat Bradford Bulls 32–22 in the final. The Lance Todd Trophy was won by Tommy Martyn.