| Football League Trophy | |
| Year: | 2015–16 |
| Other Title: | Johnstone's Paint Trophy |
| Country: | England Wales |
| Num Teams: | 48 |
| Defending Champions: | Bristol City |
| Champions: | Barnsley |
| Runner-Up: | Oxford United |
| Matches: | 49 |
| Goals: | 126 |
| Top Goal Scorer: | Lee Gregory Jordy Hiwula Kemar Roofe (4 goals each) |
| Prevseason: | 2014–15 |
| Nextseason: | 2016–17 |
The 2015–16 Football League Trophy was the 35th season in the history of the competition, a knock-out tournament for English football clubs in League One and League Two, the third and fourth tiers of the English football. Barnsley of League One won the competition, defeating Oxford United of League Two 3–2 in the final.[1] It was the last tournament to take place before the introduction of Category 1 Academy teams and an initial group stage before the knockout rounds.
In all, 48 clubs entered the competition. It was split into two sections, Northern and Southern, with the winners of each section contesting the final at Wembley Stadium. Bristol City were the reigning champions but were unable to defend their title following promotion to the Championship.
Byes: Blackpool, Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town, Wigan Athletic
Byes: Bradford City, Chesterfield, Rochdale, York City
Byes: Bristol Rovers, Coventry City, Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers
Byes: Crawley Town, Gillingham, Southend United, Stevenage
See main article: 2016 Football League Trophy final.