That same year they purchased the Shipping Department team's shares, and participated in the 1st division of Tehran's local league.

Shortly following Iranian goalkeeper Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh's retirement, he was linked with the head coaching job at Saipa.

The club had finished third in the previous season and now, with Werner Lorant as a coach, the team aimed to work for the title.

Before the start of the 2015–16 Persian Gulf Pro League season Saipa announced they had moved their home city from Karaj to nearby Tehran.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.