Qarabağ were the defending champions, having won the 2014–15 Azerbaijan season.
They replaced Araz-Naxçıvan PFK, which withdrew from the league in November 2014, and Baku FC, which was relegated at the end of the previous season.
[1] On 21 June 2015 the Professional Football League of Azerbaijan announced that Simurq PIK had refused to play in the 2015–16 Premier League due to ongoing financial problems.
They were replaced by Ravan Baku FK, which came third in the 2014–15 First Division after they were relegated from the Premier League one season earlier.
[2] Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules.