Many of the 22 teams that completed the
2014–15 season returned for the 2015–16 season. Teams not returning this season include
Rochester Lancers,
Wichita B-52s,
Tulsa Revolution, and
Monterrey Flash. In April 2015,
Baltimore Blast owner Ed Hale announced that his team was withdrawing from the MASL to form a new league. No other teams announced their departure and the proposed new league never formed. The Blast quietly rejoined the league after agreeing to pay a fine. The
Detroit Waza relocated to
Flint, Michigan, and are operating this season as simply
Waza Flo. The expansion
Sonora Suns based in
Hermosillo, Connecticut-based
Hartford City FC, Iowa-based
Cedar Rapids Rampage, and Tijuana-based
Atletico Baja were formally accepted for membership in the MASL. The fledgling
Youngstown Nighthawks based in
Ohio aimed to join the league but encountered financial issues. On October 28, 2015, the MASL announced that Hartford City FC would not be permitted to enter the league this season and began league-wide schedule changes to replace the failed franchise. A new ownership group hoped to revive the team for the 2016–17 season. Unlike the prior season where some Eastern Division teams played with a variable-point scoring system, for 2015–16 the whole MASL played with standard soccer scoring using goals, not points. ==Standings==