Iraqi Women's Basketball League opens season with three opening-day wins

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Women's Basketball League tipped off its 2025-2026 season with three games at the Northern Technical University Hall in Mosul, after the withdrawal of Kirkuk-based side Gaz al-Shimal left the opening day reduced to a three-match slate. Iraq Basketball Federation member Ala Jabbar said the tournament had originally been set to begin with 12 teams, but Gaz al-Shimal's exit for financial reasons brought the number down to 11. The remaining teams competing in the league are Silive, Aphrodite, Shahrban, Sabis, Peshmerga, Sevra, Akad Ayn Kava, Karakush, Rafidain, Sinharib and Derbendikhan. On the opening day, Akad Ayn Kava routed Karakush 82-27, while Peshmerga edged Sabis 62-58. Sinharib closed the day with a 67-64 overtime victory over Derbendikhan.