Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White finally reaches deal after she ‘fought for higher salary’ in tense talks with execs
VANNA White has struck a deal with Wheel of Fortune after months of tense contract negotiations.
The beloved letter-turner will stay at the puzzle board after Pat Sajak retires to make way for Ryan Seacrest and until 2026.
After lengthy salary talks, Wheel Of Fortune co-host Vanna, 66, has settled the score, Deadline reported on Tuesday.
Her contract for an additional two years will see her continue on the beloved game show through the 2025-2026 season.
The news comes as the show just kicked off Season 41 last week, which will be the last for host Pat after 40 years.
By signing her new deal, Vanna will provide continuity, Deadline noted.
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She will be there for Ryan, who will take over for Pat next fall, for at least two years.
It's currently unknown how much Vanna will be making, but according to TMZ, White got a “substantial pay increase” with the deal.
That Vanna isn't going anywhere is welcome news to fans, as she expressed no interest in retiring like Pat.
Entering her third year as the show’s ambassador to fans is Social Media Correspondent Maggie Sajak, 28, - who also inked a deal per the outlet.
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She will hit the road for a recurring “Fan Fridays” segment that will feature the second-generation Sajak touring the U.S., Europe, and more.
'IF YOU FIGHT THIS YOU WILL LOSE YOUR JOB'
When Pat announced his retirement after Season 41 last June, reports began circulating that Vanna did want to stay on the show, but that she was requesting a pay raise.
Vanna - who began turning letters in 1982 - reportedly made half of what Pat makes and hadn't gotten a raise in 18 years.
People previously confirmed that Vanna made about $3million annually.
According to the outlet, Pat makes about $15million annually.
According to a report from Puck News, Vanna hired an "aggressive new lawyer" upon his retirement news since come 2024, her contract was up.
Sources told People she was asking for a 50 percent pay raise at least.
"50 percent of Pat's salary is so outrageous that no one in their right mind could say that it's fair.
The negotiation is asking for much more than 50 percent of his salary. It's asking for the same pay - if not more."
But it wasn't easy for Vanna to come to the table, sources claimed to the outlet.
“Vanna was told, ‘If you fight this, you will lose your job. You’re lucky to have the job.’ And when people tell you that for so long, you believe it,’” before adding that Vanna was ready to fight for her future.
“She’s a really, really sweet person. She deserves so much more.”
Negotiations between Vanna and Sony had become "very difficult," an insider also claimed to TMZ.
Another source claimed the hostess "feels like it's a statement for all women" and is reportedly negotiating for "a minimum of what is fair."
It was then reported by TMZ that Vanna did settle for Celebrity Wheel of Fortune; she'll make $100,000 per episode while Pat makes $400,000.
PAT'S A WRAP!
On June 12, 2023, Pat told fans in a personal note on Twitter: "Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.
"It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months."
Pat will host until June 2024, when he will step down in place of Seacrest.
Ryan shared in a statement reveling in the news: "I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White."
'I LOVE MY JOB'
Vanna hinted she wasn't looking to follow in Pat's footsteps when he made his June announcement.
Her only statement was a post to X (formerly Twitter): "When we started @WheelofFortune who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later?
"I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years with one more to come. Cheers to you, @patsajak!"
Vanna also called the idea of retiring depressing in an interview before Pat's major news.
"That's depressing. I don't even want to think about it," she said last year to People.
"It's incredible. I cannot believe it's been 40 years. Honestly, I've loved every minute of it," she said.
"Who still says they love their job after 40 years? Me!"
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Meanwhile, many fans have grown fond of Maggie and think she could replace Vanna in the years to come when she decides to retire.
She has previously stepped in for Vanna twice to turn letters; once when Vanna hosted and again when Vanna was a Celebrity contestant in 2023.
