Highlights
- Vanna White has negotiated a new contract and pay raise for her role on Wheel of Fortune, ending an 18-year salary freeze.
- Vanna's attorney engaged in challenging negotiations with Sony to secure a compensation package at least half of what Pat Sajak receives.
- Despite retirement, Pat Sajak's salary was significantly higher than Vanna's, sparking speculation of gender discrimination and a potential lawsuit.
Vanna White has officially negotiated a new contract – and a pay raise – to remain as a permanent fixture on Wheel of Fortune, at least for the next two years, that is.
Insiders with ties to Vanna have informed TMZ that she has secured a significant salary boost from her previous annual earnings of $3 million, a figure she had maintained for nearly two decades – she’d not seen a salary increase for 18 years prior to this change. The contract will extend for the next two years.
Vanna's earnings were significantly lower in contrast to Pat Sajak, who commands a salary of $15 million per season, though the veteran host recently retired.
Vanna's attorney, Bryan Freedman, engaged in what TMZ noted were challenging negotiations with Sony. Freedman aimed to secure a compensation package from Sony that was at least half of what Pat receives.
There’s been speculation that Vanna’s lawyer is keen on filing a gender discrimination lawsuit against Sony due to the gap in pay, considering Wheel of Fortune’s intro always referred to Pat and Vanna both as “stars of the show.”
In July, a PEOPLE report claimed that Vanna was ready to step aside if she failed to receive a compensation package comparable to what Pat Sajak was earning before his retirement announcement earlier this year.
"50 percent of Pat's salary is so outrageous that no one in their right mind could say that it’s fair," the source claimed. "The negotiation is asking for much more than 50 percent of his salary. It's asking for the same pay — if not more."
In June, Pat disclosed his intention to retire after hosting the show for a remarkable 40 years hosting the classic game show. "Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last," the TV personality wrote on Twitter. “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!)"
Ryan Seacrest has been named as Pat's successor. Although Seacrest's exact salary remains undisclosed, it’s anticipated that his earnings are on par with what Pat was receiving. For reference, in 2018, Ryan was reported to be earning $12 million per season for hosting American Idol.
Ryan Seacrest’s net worth is $450 million, while Vanna White’s net worth is $85 million.