Rapper J. Cole Signs Contract to Play Basketball in China

The multi-Grammy winner will join the Chinese Basketball Association's Nanjing Monkey Kings.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:37am

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Rapper J. Cole has signed a professional basketball contract to play for the Chinese Basketball Association's Nanjing Monkey Kings. The 41-year-old St. John's alumnus and multi-time Grammy award winner previously played in the Basketball Africa League and Canadian Elite Basketball League in recent years, and now looks to take his hoop dreams to the next level in China.

Why it matters

J. Cole's decision to play professionally in China's top basketball league is an unexpected career move for the acclaimed musician, highlighting his lifelong passion for the sport and desire to test himself at the highest level before retiring from the game.

The details

Cole, who released his latest album 'The Fall-Off' in February, said he's looking to 'scratch a last itch' by proving he can compete against professional basketball players. He previously played in three games for the Rwanda Patriots of the Basketball Africa League in 2021, averaging 1.7 points and 1.7 rebounds, and five games for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in Canada's Elite Basketball League in 2022, putting up 2.4 points and 0.6 rebounds per contest.

  • In March 2026, J. Cole confirmed the news in an interview on 'Talk with Flee'.
  • Cole will join the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the upcoming 2026-27 Chinese Basketball Association season.

The players

J. Cole

A 41-year-old rapper and multi-time Grammy award winner who has signed a professional basketball contract to play for the Chinese Basketball Association's Nanjing Monkey Kings.

Nanjing Monkey Kings

A professional basketball team that competes in the Chinese Basketball Association, who have signed rapper J. Cole to a contract.

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What they’re saying

“'The basketball s–t is like me just trying to scratch a last itch of, let me see if I can do this. Could I train and be able to go play professional because these teams in these leagues are looking at it like, 'He's not ass. He can come be on the court and he can give our league some publicity.'”

— J. Cole, Rapper

What’s next

J. Cole is expected to join the Nanjing Monkey Kings and make his debut in the upcoming 2026-27 Chinese Basketball Association season.

The takeaway

J. Cole's decision to pursue a professional basketball career in China at age 41 demonstrates his lifelong passion for the sport and willingness to challenge himself, even at this stage of his acclaimed music career. His move will bring additional attention and star power to the Chinese Basketball Association.