The 2016 Umaglesi Liga was a special transitional season of top-tier football in Georgia.
The season began on 7 August 2016 and concluded with the second leg of the championship final on 11 December 2016.
Sapovnela Terjola and Merani Martvili were relegated at the end of the previous season; they were not replaced.
At the end of the regular season, the two group winners, Samtredia and Chikhura Sachkhere, met in the Championship final, this two-legged tie decided the overall champion and the berth for 2017–18 UEFA Champions League; the loser had the consolation of a berth in 2017–18 UEFA Europa League.
Shukura Kobuleti won 5–4 on aggregate and retained their place for 2017 Erovnuli Liga; Sioni Bolnisi were relegated to 2017 Erovnuli Liga 2 A draw was made on 28 November 2016 to determine the order of the legs.