J. Cole is stepping back onto the court, signing a contract with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association, according to ESPN sources.
The multi-time Grammy Award-winning artist had previously committed to playing a few games for the team last year and is now following through on that plan. This marks his third stint in professional basketball and his most high-profile international league appearance to date.
Cole first entered the professional basketball world in 2021, playing in the Basketball Africa League. He later joined the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2022, continuing to pursue his long-standing passion for the sport.
Known for balancing music and athletics, Cole’s move to the Chinese league underscores his commitment to competing at a global level while maintaining his presence as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.