J. Cole Signs to Play Pro Basketball in China – Joins Nanjing Monkey Kings

J.Cole

J. Cole Signs to Play Pro Basketball in China – Joins Nanjing Monkey Kings

J. Cole is taking his basketball journey overseas once again.

According to ESPN sources cited in a report shared by Shams Charania, the Grammy-winning rapper has signed a contract to play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings. The move marks another major international basketball chapter for the multi-platinum artist, who had previously committed to playing a few games for the Chinese team last year.

Now, that commitment is officially becoming reality, with the report noting that J. Cole is following through on plans first referenced in 2025. The latest signing places him in one of the biggest professional basketball leagues internationally, making this his highest-profile overseas run yet based on the visible report.

This will be the third time the rapper has stepped into a professional basketball league. J. Cole previously played in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 before later suiting up in the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2022.

With the Nanjing Monkey Kings now added to that list, J. Cole continues to turn what began as headline-making side appearances into a recurring international pro basketball résumé.