[4] Sixteen teams contested the league, fourteen of which took part in the previous season and two of which were promoted from the Liga de Honra.
Porto were the defending champions and secured their third consecutive and 27th overall title, after completing their second unbeaten season in three years.
Replacing them in the top-flight division were 2011–12 Liga de Honra champions Estoril and runners-up Moreirense, both returning after a seven-year absence.
Estoril contested their 21st season in the Primeira Liga, while Moreirense participated only for the fourth time.
Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules.