On December 23, 2015, Columbus announced its preseason schedule for the 2016 season.

Crew SC were to open preseason by traveling to Lakewood Ranch, Florida for a two-week camp, followed by a week-long camp in Powell, Ohio.

Columbus would then travel to Arizona to compete in the 2016 Desert Diamond Cup, one of six Major League Soccer sides taking place in the tournament.

Crew SC had scheduled matches against Sporting Kansas City, Real Salt Lake, and Swope Park Rangers, with an additional placement match to be determined after the conclusion of the scheduled matches.

[2] Source: MLS standings Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; T = Matches tied; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference Transferred/Waived player Transferred/Waived player The following players were selected by Columbus in the MLS SuperDraft, but did not sign a contract with the club.