Marking Huge Milestone of a Show That Exposed Shaquille O’Neal’s Messy Divorce, Ex-Wife Shaunie Reflects on Relationships With Best Friend

13 years ago, the world of reality TV was rocked with the premiere of Basketball Wives. Now the one who started it all is celebrating the crowning jewel of her media career. Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson, is spearheading a special edition of her show alongside a longtime BFF. Shaunie’s divorce from the basketball icon in 2011 became a major talking point which led to the show’s popularity during its initial seasons.

Unlike the title, the basketball players are not relevant to Basketball Wives. With the show marking its big return, Shaunie Henderson is celebrating what her reality TV baby is all about.

Shaquille O’Neal’s wife gets nostalgic on reality TV

Basketball Wives is returning with season 11. But before the big day, the show’s star and producer, Shaunie Henderson, wants to relive all the finest moments of the show. Basketball Wives: All-Star Moments airs this week to look back on the best scenes across 11 seasons.

Hosted by Shaunie herself, she’s joined by her best friend and fellow star, Evelyn Lozada. This duo represents what the show is all about as executive producer, Shaunie said, “One of the purposes of this show is to highlight the bond, and like the sisterhood, and camaraderie.” Teasing the preview on her Instagram page, Henderson added, “Friends til’ the end! Here’s a look back at our friendship then and now!”

Lozada would even take a moment to share how their on-screen partnership came to be. Doing her best Shaunie imitation, she said, “So I had this like idea, I’m pitching this reality show.” Lozada’s apparent response was “okay, cool, I’ll do it, why not.” She never predicted the unprecedented popularity, saying, “And I had no idea we were going to be here 200 plus episodes later.”

WATCH THIS STORY | “Didn’t Say You Can Talk”: After Threatening His “Girlfriend’s” Replacement, Shaquille O’Neal Publicly Troubles One Fan for 1 Annoying Reason

The preview played a montage of the most jaw-dropping moments the main cast has shared. While there’s a fair bit of Shaunie, it didn’t touch on a major scene-stealer which was her split from Shaquille O’Neal.

Basketball Wives premiered in 2010. In 2011, Shaq retired from the NBA and also confirmed his divorce from Shaunie. He took full responsibility for their split and she has since moved on with Pastor Keion Henderson.

Shaquille O’Neal’s timeline with ex-wife

Shaq’s relationship with former film marketer, Shaunie Nelson, began when he initially signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. Both had a child each from previous relationships. They’d welcome their first child together in 2000 and a second in 2001. The following year, they tied the knot.

Two children later, they had their first separation in 2007. After an initial reconciliation, Shaunie filed for divorce in 2009. She went on to star in Basketball Wives where her split from Shaq would drive the initial seasons.

READ MORE: Backtracking on 6-Months-Old AI Stance, Shaquille O’Neal’s $2500000 Aid Tells a Different Story

Shaunie is now celebrating one year of wedded bliss with Keion Henderson. She’s also brought Lozada back on her show since she sat out season 10. It’s time to relive Shaunie’s best on-camera moments on Basketball Wives: All-Star Moments, on October 2 at 9/8c on Vh1.