J. Cole Plays Only One Game With Nanjing Monkey Kings
- Cole was unable to fulfill a planned multi-game stint with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of China’s National Basketball League due to visa complications, according to reports.
- The artist, whose legal name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole, had been scheduled to participate in at least three exhibition games with the team based in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province,...
- VIBE.com reported on April 14, 2026, that Cole’s involvement with the Monkey Kings was cut short after he encountered visa issues that prevented further participation.
Rapper and songwriter J. Cole was unable to fulfill a planned multi-game stint with the Nanjing Monkey Kings of China’s National Basketball League due to visa complications, according to reports.
The artist, whose legal name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole, had been scheduled to participate in at least three exhibition games with the team based in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, but only appeared in one contest before being sidelined by administrative hurdles related to his entry documentation.
VIBE.com reported on April 14, 2026, that Cole’s involvement with the Monkey Kings was cut short after he encountered visa issues that prevented further participation. The outlet did not specify the exact nature of the visa problem, but confirmed that the rapper had cleared initial requirements to join the team for limited on-court activity.
The Nanjing Monkey Kings, a professional basketball team competing in the NBL, had announced Cole’s participation as part of a promotional and developmental initiative blending sports and entertainment. His involvement was expected to draw international attention to the league, particularly given his global profile as a Grammy-winning musician and longtime advocate for basketball at the grassroots level.
Cole, who has frequently played in celebrity basketball games and amateur leagues, has not publicly commented on the situation. Representatives for the artist did not respond to requests for clarification regarding the visa matter or the status of his engagement with the team.
The NBL has not issued an official statement addressing the incident. League officials have previously emphasized efforts to expand the league’s global reach through high-profile player appearances and international partnerships.
As of the date of the report, Cole’s single appearance with the Monkey Kings remained his only recorded game in a professional league outside the United States. No further games were played under the original arrangement, and no rescheduling has been announced.