'Wheel of Fortune' Cohost Vanna White Signs On for 2 More Years, Scores 'Substantial Pay Increase' After $7 Million Demand
Vanna extended her contract for another two years, but is already eyeing the exit, sources say.
Sept. 19 2023, Published 4:34 p.m. ET
Playing hardball appeared to have worked for Wheel of Fortune star Vanna White, who now agreed to an additional two years as cohost with a "substantial pay increase" for the 2025-2026 season.
RadarOnline.com told you first that White surprised show brass after hiring a powerhouse lawyer and demanding a big increase to her $3 million salary in the wake of Pat Sajak, who earns a whopping $15 million per season, announcing his retirement.
Vanna reportedly feels like her chemistry with Pat is unmatched by Ryan.
Sources with knowledge of the ordeal said White was stunned after learning Ryan Seacrest would be taking over for Sajak as host of the long-running game show.
Fans were just as supportive of her cause, with insiders telling us that "a lot of people are shocked Vanna has been overlooked and apparently underpaid for so long."
"No wonder she's calling in the big guns to negotiate on her behalf. She needs to protect herself and get what's fair," they said in July. "The whole situation is fraught with drama," said a well-placed source. "People figured she'd earned a shot at the big gig."
Insiders previously said she was playing hardball with show execs over pay.
Now it appears White has secured a "substantial pay increase" from the $3 million per year she was making for 18 years. RadarOnline.com previously reported on her alleged $7 million demand.
Interestingly, sources told TMZ that Sony had a clause in the new contract, releasing the studio from any claims White might have, which her lawyer, Bryan Freedman, insisted be removed.
Freedman is allegedly considering filing a possible gender discrimination lawsuit against Sony over the pay disparity, it was claimed. Freedman wanted Sony to pay at least half of what Sajak was making.
Seacrest will be taking over for Sajak next season.
Meanwhile, cameras have started rolling on season 41, which will be Sajak's last, while Seacrest is expected to take over for the next one.
Sajak announced his departure in June, recalling his 40-year run on the show and tweeting that it had been a "wonderful ride" but the time had come for him to move forward.
Upon his exit, there were rumors that his daughter, Maggie Sajak, would fill his shoes.
Sajak's daughter will continue to be on the show.
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Maggie does still have a notable role on the show, "entering her third year as the show's ambassador to the fans," a press release revealed.
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Looking ahead, she will continue to be "championing more ways for our viewers to win cash, vacations, merchandise, or more through a new weekly sweepstakes called Fan Fridays," during which Maggie will showcase that weeks "FAN-tastic prize while revealing a Word of the Day that Wheel Watchers Club members can enter."
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