For the fourteenth consecutive season, the tournament was played in a double round-robin system.

The bottom four teams were relegated and will play in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B in the 2017 season.

América Mineiro became the fourth and final club to be promoted, following a 1–1 draw over Ceará meant they finished above them on points difference and secured the automatic spot.

[8] The four promoted clubs replaced Avaí, Vasco da Gama, Goiás and Joinville.

At the end of the season, for the third consecutive year, Rio de Janeiro did not have its four representatives in the first division, largely due to the inconsistent performance of Vasco da Gama and Botafogo, who alternated in relegation in recent seasons.

The three clubs based in Rio de Janeiro, Botafogo, Flamengo and Fluminense weren't able to play their home matches in Maracanã or Engenhão Stadiums due to the preparation of these venues for the Olympic Games that were held in the city in August.