Let's be honest here: Jackie Christie is the basketball wife.

Even non-fans and some of the harshest critics of VH1's hit reality series "Basketball Wives" will agree that when it comes to standout life partners of professional athletes, Jackie Christie -- and her methods to keep her husband, Doug Christie, from stepping outside of their marriage -- stand out.

Almost 10 years ago, the New York Times did a feature piece where the couple talked about how Doug combats extramarital temptations -- the interest in the couple's love story landed them a short-lived reality show on BET in 2006.

We'll get to see Christie and a whole new cast of women (Kimsha Artest, Gloria Govan, Laura Govan and Imani Showalter, the ex-fiancee of Charlotte Bobcats star Stephen Jackson, also co-star) whose connection is falling for guys who play or have played in the NBA, take over Los Angeles. Executive producer Shaunie O'Neal says that her goal is to eventually take the show to every major basketball market.

"People love athletes, and they want to see what type of woman did this guy choose and it's really intriguing for people," Christie says, weighing in on why this franchise has been so successful for the network. "I think that over the years, there's been a really big mystique built around it. I think when Doug and I first got married, we were really, really committed and going on the road together, and the media really put it out there for everyone to see. I think that's what's driving this interest and now folks really want to see players and their families off the court."

We chat with Christie to find out what we can expect from this new series, which premieres at 8 p.m. ET Monday:

You've dabbled in reality TV before, so what made you wanna be a part of this VH1 show?

"I was really intrigued with it. I thought it would be exciting and I wanted to show a different side. I love the Miami show ... but L.A. will be a different look."

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