Iraqi Professional League final series tips off between Zakho and Air Defense

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Basketball Federation announced that the 2025-26 Professional League final series between Zakho and Air Defense began on Monday. Federation official Ala Jabbar said the best-of-five series will be played across Baghdad and Zakho. Game one was scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Armenian Club Hall in Baghdad. Under the series format, the remaining games will not be played once one team reaches three wins, while a 2-2 tie would force a decisive fifth game. Game two is set for Wednesday, August 12 in Zakho, followed by game three on Sunday, August 16 back in Baghdad. Game four will be played in Zakho on Thursday, August 20, with a potential fifth and decisive game scheduled for Tuesday, August 26 at 7 p.m. at the Army Club Hall in Baghdad. The federation said it is overseeing all organizational and technical preparations for the final series, including referee appointments.