Samsunspor,
Manisaspor and
Ankaragücü were relegated at the end of the 2011–12 season after finishing in the bottom three places of the standings. Ankaragücü concluded 31 years at top level, Manisaspor returned to second level after 2 years and Samsunspor immediately returned to second one. The relegated teams were replaced by 2011–12 TFF First League champions
Akhisar Belediyespor, runners-up
Elazığspor and promotion play-off winners
Kasımpaşa S.K. Elazığspor returned to the top level after 8 years by making two successive promotions. Akhisar Belediyespor makes its debut in Turkey's top flight. Kasımpaşa returned immediately after their relegation to the First League in the 2010–11 season. Elazığspor got sponsorship from Sanica Boru and changed their name to "Sanica Boru Elazığspor".
Team overview Managerial changes Foreign players The match squad must have no more than 5 foreign players, while a club may registered a maximum of 8 foreign players == League table ==