American Players Star in Iraqi Basketball Team Owned by Militia Group

Despite political tensions, U.S. basketball players are contributing significantly to an Iraqi team with ties to forces that have previously targeted U.S. troops.

• A pro basketball team in Iraq, owned by the Popular Mobilization Forces, employs high-scoring American players.
• Uchenna Iroegbu, a 27-year-old from Sacramento, leads the team in scoring, highlighting the demand for U.S. talent in Iraqi basketball.
• The team's ownership has a complex relationship with the U.S., including past attacks on U.S. troops, yet focuses on sports over politics.
• American players, earning up to $6,000 a month, adapt to life in Iraq, engaging with teammates and locals despite security concerns.
• Recent U.S. retaliatory strikes in Iraq paused militia attacks on U.S. forces, with a call from Iran's Quds Force commander to cease hostilities.

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