
Brandi Maxiell, the wife of NBA power forward Jason Maxiell, is set to return to the VH1 reality TV show 'Basketball Wives' for its twelfth season. Maxiell, who first appeared on the show in 2011, took an extended hiatus after season 6, but briefly returned for season 10. She is also known for her appearances on 'Basketball Wives LA' and 'Access Daily'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the person returning to Basketball Wives | Brandi Maxiell |
| Previous appearances on the show | Seasons 3, 6, 10, 12 |
| Relationship with other cast members | Feud with Shaunie O'Neal |
| Reason for return | N/A |
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What You'll Learn

Brandi Maxiell's return to 'Basketball Wives'
Brandi Maxiell is returning to the VH1 reality TV show *Basketball Wives*. Maxiell first appeared on the show in 2011 for season 3, but took an extended hiatus after season 6, only to return briefly for season 10.
Maxiell is married to NBA power forward Jason Maxiell, and the couple has a child together, Jason II. Brandi has said that she wanted to use the platform to share more information on ovarian cancer, having been diagnosed with the disease at 24 years old. After undergoing surgery and chemotherapy treatments, she was declared cancer-free in 2008.
In December 2020, Shaunie O'Neal, fellow cast member and executive producer, explained why she didn't fire Maxiell from the show following their nasty feud during the season 4 finale. O'Neal said, "The personal part of me did not want to bring Brandi back... I just felt like even though the apologies had happened and all of that, you know how you just know that’s not your type of person". Despite this, O'Neal had a change of heart, and in February 2024, it was confirmed that Maxiell would be returning to the show for season 12, along with OG cast members Evelyn Lozada, Jennifer Williams, and Jackie Christie.
While there is no word yet on Maxiell's storyline, insiders have revealed that she has already started filming.
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Conflict with Shaunie O'Neal
Brandi Maxiell is returning to the VH1 reality show "Basketball Wives" for its twelfth season. Brandi first appeared on the series in 2011 for season 3. She took a hiatus after season 6 but returned briefly for season 10. Brandi is married to NBA power forward Jason Maxiell, and the couple has one child together, Jason II.
Now, onto the focus of your query: Conflict with Shaunie O'Neal.
Shaunie O'Neal is the creator and executive producer of "Basketball Wives." She is the ex-wife of basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, and her relationship with him was initially a significant draw for viewers. Shaunie kept her personal life mostly off the show, and audiences only got rare glimpses into her relationship with her children. However, her memoir, "Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms," caused some controversy. In the book, Shaunie admitted that she wasn't sure if she ever truly loved Shaq, and this quote went viral, prompting a cryptic response from Shaq.
Shaunie's role on "Basketball Wives" has evolved over time. She was once considered the Queen Bee of the show, with cast members showing her reverence and respect. However, as her relationship with Shaq ended and her connection to the world of basketball wives diminished, so did her presence on the show. Shaunie's leadership and mentorship of the other cast members, particularly in navigating the complexities of life with famous athletes, used to be a significant draw for viewers. Now, with the rise of social media, the show's appeal has shifted, and audiences are less invested in Shaunie's original role.
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Season 12 cast
Season 12 of the hit American reality television series "Basketball Wives" is set to premiere on May 5, 2025, on VH1. The season promises to be packed with personal breakthroughs, growth, spiritual awakenings, and new marriages, bringing fresh energy to the show.
The season will feature a mix of returning stars and new cast members. Returning to the show are franchise icons Evelyn Lozada, Jackie Christie, Jennifer Williams, Brandi Maxiell, and Brittany Renner. Special guest appearances will be made by executive producer Shaunie Henderson.
New cast members include former WNBA star Ty Young, Chantel Christie-Jeffries, and Ming Lee. Ty Young's move to LA with Ming Lee has reportedly turned into a complicated breakup, forcing both to navigate their next steps in life and love under the public eye. Meanwhile, Jackie Christie is eager to mentor her daughter Chantel in the Basketball Wives lifestyle, but Chantel is determined to forge her own path.
Other major storylines this season include Jennifer Williams' newlywed bliss being threatened by her husband's legal battles and her strained relationship with Evelyn Lozada, forcing them to confront years of unresolved tension. Brandi Maxiell, after over two decades as a devoted wife, is stepping into independence and rediscovering herself beyond marriage. Brittany Renner embarks on a transformative spiritual journey, supported by longtime friend and fellow NBA ex Denise Garcia.
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OG cast members returning
It was reported in February 2024 that Brandi Maxiell would be returning to the VH1 series "Basketball Wives" for its twelfth season. Brandi first appeared on the show in 2011 for season 3, but took an extended hiatus after season 6, only to return briefly for season 10.
Brandi isn't the only familiar face making a comeback for season 12. OG cast members Evelyn Lozada and Jennifer Williams are also slated to return. Both ladies were part of the previous season, giving viewers an inside look at their personal lives and the dynamics of their friendship. Evelyn Lozada, in particular, is considered a franchise icon.
In addition to the returning cast members, season 12 will also feature former WNBA star Ty Young, as well as new cast members Chantel Christie-Jeffries and Ming Lee. The season promises to deliver personal breakthroughs, growth, spiritual awakenings, and even new marriages, but as loyalties are tested, not everyone will make it through unscathed.
While there is excitement around the returning OG cast members, it is important to note that the show has faced some challenges in the past regarding cast member feuds and potential firings. One notable feud occurred between Brandi Maxiell and Shaunie O'Neal during the Season 4 finale, leading to speculation about Brandi's potential firing. However, Shaunie ultimately decided against it, and Brandi returned for subsequent seasons.
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Brandi's marriage and independence
Brandi Maxiell, who first appeared on "Basketball Wives" in 2011 for season 3, is returning to the show for its 12th season. Brandi is married to NBA power forward Jason Maxiell, whom she met in high school. The couple has a son, Jason II, and have faced marital problems in the past, including issues of fidelity and trust.
Brandi has been vocal about her struggles and has used the platform of "Basketball Wives" to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed with the disease at 24 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy before being declared cancer-free in 2008.
After an extended hiatus following season 6, Brandi is stepping back into the spotlight. Season 12 of "Basketball Wives" will feature personal breakthroughs, growth, and spiritual awakenings. Brandi, after over two decades as a devoted wife, is embracing a new phase of independence and self-discovery beyond her marriage.
While Brandi's storyline for this season is yet to be revealed, insiders have shared that she has already started filming. Her return to the show, alongside other franchise icons, promises to bring fresh energy and new dynamics to the screen.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Brandi Maxiell is returning to Basketball Wives.
Brandi Maxiell first appeared on the series in 2011 for season 3.
Yes, Brandi Maxiell took an extended hiatus following season 6 but came back briefly for season 10.
In season 12, Brandi Maxiell's character is stepping into independence and rediscovering herself beyond marriage.
Along with Brandi Maxiell, OG cast members Evelyn Lozada, Jennifer Williams, Jackie Christie, and Brittany Renner are also returning for season 12.






































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