By Mark Gray
8:06pm PDT, Aug 29, 2023
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Vanna White and "Wheel of Fortune" executives are slowly making progress on a new deal, but they're at a "stubborn stalemate," a new report claims.
For four decades, Vanna's salary has been significantly less than that of longtime "Wheel" co-host Pat Sajak, and the world's most famous letter-turner has reportedly not gotten a raise in 18 years. With Pat retiring at the end of next season and Ryan Seacrest set to take over, Vanna is using the moment to demand a major salary increase.
"Vanna and the producers are currently on a similar page and want to get a deal done but they both have a few hiccups to still clear through," a source told DailyMail.com. "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. They want to celebrate this year with little to no drama whatsoever."
But unless something is done, drama will most certainly carry over into the season, as Vanna is reportedly standing firm on her salary demands …
Keep reading to see exactly how much she's asking for…
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According to TMZ, Vanna White wants half of what Pat Sajak makes, which is believed to be about $15 million a year. Vanna is arguing that she and Pat are introduced as equals on the show and she wants to be paid as such.
TMZ reported that the hostess has , stunningly, a salary of about $3 million a year, which has remained that way for 18 years: She hasn't received a pay increase in nearly two decades. "After 41 years as a model employee and more the face of that show than [Pat], asking for 50% of what he makes seems like a no-brainer," a source told the webloid. "Wheel" producers, however, don't see it that way, as negotiations have been "very difficult."
Vanna doesn't want to leave the show, but she will consider making an exit if she doesn't get what she believes is "a minimum of what is fair," according to TMZ. In asking to right the pay discrepancy, a source said Vanna "feels like it's a statement for all women."
Keep reading for more…
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Vanna White seems to have some negotiating power given that she's the on-camera link between the old era of "Wheel of Fortune" and the popular game show's new era.
"'Wheel' wants to make the transition between Pat and Ryan [Seacrest] seamless and having Vanna there would be wonderful to make that all happen," the DailyMail.com source said.
Given Vanna's age — she turned 66 in February — producers are viewing her next contract as her last contract. "There is a little more maneuverability to change things up in a few years when they look for her replacement," the source 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. 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."
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On July 20, 2023, reports claimed Vanna White negotiated a new deal for "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune," but TMZ reported at the time that she and show producer Sony were still miles apart on a deal.
Sources told the webloid that Vanna's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, asked for a third party to evaluate Vanna's importance to the show and come up with a "fair figure," but Sony rejected the idea. Sony execs apparently believe Pat Sajak's $400,000-per-show paycheck was too much, so the company doesn't want to use his salary as a measuring stick. Vanna and her team, however, are sticking to their guns. "It's gonna get ugly if [Sony doesn't] get more serious," a source told TMZ.
Vanna's lawyer previously represented Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly.
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Pat Sajak began his gig as "Wheel of Fortune" host in 1981. In June 2023, the game show icon announced his retirement. "Well, the time has come. I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September [2023], will be my last," he said. "It's been a wonderful ride, and I'll have more to say in the coming months."
Two weeks later, Ryan Seacrest confirmed that he's taking over when Pat steps away: "I can't wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," Ryan said in a statement.
Vanna White, however, might be MIA unless the money shows up.
