Yangon United began the season as defending champions of the 2015 Myanmar National League.

The 2015 General Aung San Shield winners Ayeyawady United stood third with 20 points.

Reigning MNL champions Yangon United only earned 19 points and grabbed the fourth place.

Manaw Myay and Nay Pyi Taw were relegated to the 2016 MNL-2 since they finished the 2015 season at the lowest positions.

They were replaced by the two promoted teams from the 2015 MNL-2, champions Southern Myanmar and runners-up Horizon.