Wheel of Fortune host Vanna White FINALLY inks new contract with game show after ‘receiving a substantial increase on $3 MILLION-a-year salary’ – following MONTHS of bitter negotiations
Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White has finally extended her contract on the show for another two years after months of negotiations – while Pat Sajak’s daughter Maggie has secured a bigger role after being snubbed as her father’s replacement.
Vanna, 66, had been locked in a ‘stubborn’ stalemate with ABC bosses for weeks as she fought to get a pay rise following the news of Pat’s bombshell exit, after going years without a raise.
However, it seems the long-standing co-host is no longer at loggerheads with executives as it’s been officially confirmed that she has signed on for the 2025 to 2026 seasons.
According to TMZ, the renewed deal comes after bosses agreed to give Vanna a ‘substantial increase’ on her $3 million-a-year salary – which the outlet reports is her first pay rise in 18 years.
Vanna White has extended her contract on Wheel of Fortune for another two years
The ABC game show’s bosses agreed to give Vanna a ‘substantial increase’ on her $3 million-a-year salary, according to reports
By comparison, the publication claims that Pat has been taking home an eye-watering $15 million per season.
It’s also been announced that Pat’s daughter Maggie, 28, who serves as the program’s social media correspondent, will front a new weekly sweepstakes called Fan Fridays, which aims to see more viewers win cash, vacations, and merchandise.
Maggie’s shiny new gig comes after fans were left gutted that she was overlooked as Pat’s replacement, with gameshow host Ryan Seacrest, 48, being named as his successor instead.
Last month, it was revealed that there had been a few ‘hiccups’ between Vanna and the show’s producers during her contract negotiations.
‘They both know they have a lot of time to do it and more discussions to be had but everyone wants something achieved and wouldn’t want Pat’s last year hampered by the constant news of the revolving contract dispute drama,’ an insider told DailyMail.com.
‘They want to celebrate this year with little to no drama whatsoever.’
The source added that there were a few issues causing a slight stalemate in negotiations due to the fact this could be Vanna’s last Wheel of Fortune contract.
‘Wheel wants to make the transition between Pat and Ryan seamless and having Vanna there would be wonderful to make that all happen,’ the insider continued.
‘They want her next contract though to be her last contract so there is a little more maneuverability to change things up in a few years when they look for her replacement’.
The source explained that Vanna was still sticking to her request for a bigger payday as they added: ‘Vanna is actually OK with that, she just wants a tremendous payday that the show isn’t ready to even consider at this time.
Vanna had been locked in a ‘stubborn’ stalemate with bosses of the ABC show for weeks
Her departing co-star Pat Sajak has been taking home $15 million per season, reports claim
Ryan Seacrest has been named as the new Wheel of Fortune host, replacing Pat
‘It is a matter of who is going to budge first, but they both aren’t blinking yet. Vanna wants to go out on her terms and retire when she is ready with a nice paycheck to end it all.’
While Vanna has signed up for two more years, Maggie has got underway with her new Wheel of Fortune job too.
To introduce the new viewer appreciation initiative, she hit the road with longtime Wheel of Fortune collaborator, worldwide guided tour company Collette to give fans a glimpse of what their tours offer.
She will highlight stops in Newport, RI, Portland, ME, New York City, stops throughout Europe, and others along the way.
Fan Fridays will also see Maggie showcase weekly prizes, while also revealing a Word of the Day that Wheel Watchers Club members can enter online to be eligible to win.
Wheel of Fortune kicked off its 41st season earlier this week, marking the beginning of the end of Pat’s tenure as host.
Pat Sajak’s daughter Maggie will front a new weekly sweepstakes called Fan Fridays
She will continue on the show for another two seasons – while Pat will bow out this series
There had been a few ‘hiccups’ between Vanna and the show’s producers during her contract negotiations – but all seems to have been resolved
Longtime host Pat is stepping down at the end of season 41 after almost four decades
He announced in June that he would be retiring from the show, which he has hosted since 1983.
‘I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,’ he tweeted at the time.
He continued: ‘It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)
‘Thank you to the best host in the biz. Wheel of Fortune would not be what it is today without you, Pat. Looking forward to Season 41 being better than ever!’
Earlier this week, Pat’s replacement Ryan revealed he’s already started rehearsals for his upcoming role hosting Wheel of Fortune – in his own living room.
The veteran TV host appeared on Good Morning America on Monday, where he spoke about taking over from Pat in 2024.
‘I’m shouting out the puzzles and my dog is staring at me,’ he admitted. ‘I’m also practicing the hosting part too in my living room.’
Ryan will begin his reign at Wheel in 2024 after Sajak’s 41st season, which premiered on September 11.
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