Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White finally extended her contract on the show for two years after months of negotiations – while Pat Sajak’s daughter Maggie got a bigger role after being snubbed as her father’s replacement .
Vanna, 66, had been stuck in a “stubborn” standoff with ABC bosses for weeks as she fought for a pay rise following news of Pat’s explosive departure, having gone years without increase.
However, it appears the longtime co-host is no longer at odds with executives, as it has been officially confirmed that she has signed on for the 2025 to 2026 seasons.
According to TMZThe renewed deal comes after bosses agreed to give Vanna a “substantial increase” on her $3 million-a-year salary – which the outlet claims is her first pay rise in 18 years.
Vanna White extends her contract on Wheel of Fortune for two years
ABC game show bosses have agreed to give Vanna a ‘substantial increase’ in her salary of $3million a year, according to reports
In comparison, the publication claims Pat took home a stunning gift. $15 million per season.
It was also announced that Pat’s daughter Maggie, 28, who is the programme’s social media correspondent, will take part in a new weekly competition called Fan Fridays, which aims to see more viewers win cash, prizes, holidays and goods.
Maggie’s shiny new gig comes after fans were disappointed she was overlooked as Pat’s replacement, with game show host Ryan Seacrest, 48, named as her successor instead.
Last month, it was revealed that there had been some “hiccups” between Vanna and the show’s producers during her contract negotiations.
“They both know they have plenty of time to do it and other discussions to have, but everyone wants something to get done and wouldn’t want Pat’s last year to be hampered by the news constant drama of contract disputes,” a source told DailyMail. com.
“They want to celebrate this year with little to no drama.”
The source added that there were some issues causing a slight stalemate in negotiations as 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 it all happen,” the source continued.
“They want his next contract to be his last contract, so there’s a little more wiggle room to change things in a few years when they look for his replacement.”
The source explained that Vanna still stands by her demand for a bigger salary, adding, “Vanna is actually okay with it, she just wants a huge salary that the show isn’t even willing to give.” consider for the moment.
Vanna was in a ‘stubborn’ standoff with ABC show bosses for weeks
His outgoing co-star, Pat Sajak, took home $15 million per season, according to reports.
Ryan Seacrest has been named the new host of Wheel of Fortune, replacing Pat
“It’s a question of who’s going to move first, but they both aren’t blinking yet. Vanna wants to leave on her terms and retire when she’s ready with a nice salary to end all this .
While Vanna signed up for two more years, Maggie also began her new job on Wheel of Fortune.
To introduce the new spectator appreciation initiative, she hit the road with Collette, longtime collaborator of Wheel of Fortune, the global tour company, to give fans a taste of what their tours offer.
It will highlight stops in Newport, RI, Portland, ME, New York, stops throughout Europe and others along the way.
Fan Fridays will also see Maggie present weekly prizes, while also revealing a word of the day that Wheel Watchers Club members can enter online for a chance to win.
Wheel of Fortune launched its 41st season earlier this week, marking the beginning of the end of Pat’s tenure as host.
Pat Sajak’s daughter Maggie will be leading a new weekly sweepstakes called Fan Fridays.
She will continue on the show for two more seasons – while Pat will bow out of this series.
There were a few “hiccups” between Vanna and the show’s producers during her contract negotiations – but everything appears to have been resolved.
Longtime Host Pat Quits at the End of Season 41 After Nearly Four Decades
He announced in June that he would retire from the show he has hosted since 1983.
“I have 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 journey and I will have more to say in the months to come. Thank you to all of you. (At the very least, it will keep the clickbait sites busy!)
“Thank you to the best host in the business. Wheel of Fortune wouldn’t be what it is today without you, Pat. I can’t wait for season 41 to be better than ever!’
Earlier this week, Pat’s replacement Ryan revealed he had already started rehearsals for his upcoming Wheel of Fortune hosting role – in his own living room.
The veteran TV host appeared on Good Morning America on Monday, where he discussed succession to Pat in 2024.
“I shout out the riddles and my dog looks at me,” he admitted. “I also practice the hosting part in my living room.”
Ryan will begin his Wheel reign in 2024 following Sajak’s 41st season, which premiered on September 11.