VH1 to air ‘Basketball Wives,’ inside look at the lives of NBA players’ wives, girlfriends

Reality series ‘Basketball Wives’ set for VH1

LOS ANGELES — A VH1 reality series that promises an inside look at the lives of NBA players’ wives and girlfriends is set to air early next year.

VHI said Monday that “Basketball Wives” will show the upside of the women’s lives — big homes, designer clothes and jewelry — and the drawbacks, including worries about whether their husbands are being faithful on roadtrips.

Shaquille O’Neal’s wife, Shaunie, will be featured and is an executive producer. She filed last month for legal separation with intent to divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

Others taking part are Eric Williams’ wife, Jennifer, and Mesha O’Neal, married to Jermaine O’Neal.

Royce Reed, who has a 2-year-old son with Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, also will be part of the series, according to a news release from VH1.

But Howard’s name isn’t mentioned in the release, and VH1 spokesman Scott Acord declined to say why, adding, “You’ll have to watch the show to find out.”

Howard obtained a court injunction barring Reed from using his name or referring to him indirectly, either orally or in writing, according to a Dec. 1 report from entertainment site TMZ.

VHI executive Jeff Olde, in announcing the series, noted the public’s fascination with the wives of star athletes.

Tiger Woods’ wife is in the spotlight now over his recent car accident and his alleged extramarital affairs.

“Basketball Wives” debuts March 15.

VH1 is a unit of Viacom Inc.