Before The Fall Off World Tour, rapper J Cole will play professional basketball again after signing with the Nanjing Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association, according to sources cited by ESPN. J. Cole previously revealed plans to return to basketball on Cam’Ron’s Talk With Flee Podcast.
J. Cole has signed a contract to play in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Nanjing Monkey Kings 🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/j6M9aUhKPU
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) April 2, 2026
The new announcement marks the continuation of the rap star’s journey through professional basketball, which began in 2021. Cole has always expressed interest in playing in the NBA. He was a part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest.
As Jermaine Cole, he developed his basketball skills on courts in North Carolina, where he played in high school. Cole spoke on his high school sports activities throughout The Fall Off album.
On Talk With Flee, Cole revealed that he previously promised the Chinese franchise he would appear in several games. His new agreement now fulfills that commitment and returns him to a professional roster.
The upcoming stint marks Cole’s third appearance in an international basketball league. In 2021, he joined the Rwanda Patriots during the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League. The following year, he suited up for the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
Earlier this year, Cole dropped his latest project, The Fall Off, in February. The album continues his reputation for thoughtful bars and reflective storytelling. Cole has described the new album as “his last album.”
Now the rapper prepares for a new challenge overseas. By joining the Nanjing Monkey Kings, J. Cole once again proves his ambition reaches far beyond the recording booth.
