Trending Now - J. Cole to Pursue Professional Basketball Career in China

WHO:

US Magazine - J. Cole, a Grammy Award-winning rapper, has signed a professional contract.

Fox News Sports - J. Cole is set to play for the Nanjing Monkey Kings.

WHAT:

US Magazine - J. Cole has signed a professional contract to play basketball.

Fox News Sports - J. Cole will play professional basketball in China with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of the Chinese Basketball Association.

WHERE:

US Magazine - The contract is with the Nanjing Monkey Kings, located in China.

Fox News Sports - The team is part of the Chinese Basketball Association.

WHEN:

US Magazine - This season refers to the 2026 season.

WHY:

US Magazine - J. Cole is trading his music career for a basketball career.

HOW:

US Magazine - This marks J. Cole's third stint as a professional basketball player.

(UPDATED April 4, 2026 03:49 UTC)

J. Cole, the Grammy Award-winning rapper, has signed a professional contract to play basketball with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in China for the 2026 season. This marks his third stint as a professional basketball player, as he transitions from his music career to the court. The Nanjing Monkey Kings are part of the Chinese Basketball Association, where J. Cole will showcase his skills on an international stage.