VH1 series spotlights 'Basketball Wives'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- VH1 said it plans to air a new U.S. reality television series about the wives and girlfriends of some of the National Basketball Association's biggest stars.

Production is to begin on "Basketball Wives" this month.

"These ladies live the life," the network said in a release. "They drive the best cars, live in the biggest mansions, wear designer clothes and jewelry and only travel first class. But living the high life is not all glamour. In order to protect it, they have to deal with the jealousies and dramas of living in -- and staying in -- the inner circle. They must also keep the groupies at bay while their husbands and boyfriends are traveling on the road for over six months of the year playing ball all-the-while wondering if their spouses are being faithful to them."

The eight-episode, 30-minute series is to premiere March 15.

"The public has an obvious fascination with the wives of star athletes. This series will show viewers not only the glamorous side of being a celebrity wife but also the challenges and hard work that go with it," Jeff Olde, VH1's executive vice president of original programming and production, said in a statement.

"Having been around these remarkable women for several years, I have always recognized that behind every NBA star is a strong, exceptional woman, one who must deal with the unique challenges of being married to the game as well as the player," added Shaunie O'Neal, executive producer for "Basketball Wives" and wife of NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal.