A total of 20 teams will contest the league, including 17 sides from the 2014–15 season and three promoted from the 2014–15 Segunda División. This will include the two top teams from the Segunda División (Real Betis and Sporting de Gijón), and the winners of the play-offs (Las Palmas).[1]
Almería and Córdoba were relegated to 2015–16 Segunda División last season, after being two and one years, respectively in La Liga. Elche was administratively relegated despite finishing in the 13th position.[2] Following the competition rules, Eibar, who finished in the 18th position, will remain in the league.[3]
Real Betis was the first team from Segunda to achieve promotion after a one-year absence from La Liga on May 24, 2015 after winning 3–0 over Alcorcón.[4]
Sporting Gijón promoted as second qualified on June 7, 2015, after winning 3–0 over Real Betis and taking advantage of the draw of Girona, who could not retain the promotion spot in the last match day. Sporting returned to the top level after 3 years.
Las Palmas achieved promotion on June 21, 2015 after defeating Real Zaragoza in the promotion playoff final on away goals after winning the second leg at home 2–0, after losing the first leg away 3–1. Las Palmas returned to the top level after 13 years. They also became the first island team to play in La Liga since Mallorca's relegation to Segunda Division in 2012–13 season. During those 13 years,they played two seasons in Segunda División B.