J. Cole Ends Brief CBA Stint After Visa Delay
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Rapper and producer J. Cole has wrapped up his short run with the Chinese Basketball Association after appearing in just one game, citing unforeseen visa issues.
The 39-year-old artist said Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026, that a prolonged work-visa process forced him to leave the Nanjing Monkey Kings earlier than planned. “The work visa process took way longer than expected, so I was only able to play in one before heading back,” he explained in a written statement.
Cole, formally known as Jermaine Cole, signed with the Monkey Kings in early April and was expected to suit up for at least three contests. He thanked both the club and league for “allowing me to have that incredible experience.”
The brief CBA appearance marked Cole’s third stint in professional basketball. He logged minutes with the Rwanda Patriots in the Basketball Africa League in 2021 and with the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the Canadian Elite Basketball League in 2022. A native of North Carolina, he previously played high school basketball in the state.
Beyond the court, Cole’s résumé includes a 2020 Grammy Award for Best Rap Song for “A Lot,” six Platinum albums, and production credits for artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, and Young Thug. His most recent album, “The Fall-Off,” arrived in February.
Source: ESPN
