Is Vanna White’s return to ‘Wheel of Fortune’ in jeopardy? Long serving co-host’s fight with ABC gets uglier

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The long-serving co-host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Vanna White is in a tiff with the network over better pay. The 66-year-old TV personality is yet to renew her contract.

One of the biggest conditions is to seek a pay raise which she has been diligently fighting for. All this has led to a complete standstill between Vanna and the network with both parties standing their ground on their respective terms.

It is to be noted that Vanna has starred on the game show since 1982 and has been fighting for a higher payout after going years without a raise.

Vanna White’s contract with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ still not finalized

Vanna White was reported to have received a significant pay raise almost 18 years ago. She has been a vocal proponent of demanding better pay from the network, given Pat Sajak made way more than her.

However, the bump in the negotiations between the network and Vanna does not seem to end.

According to TMZ, Vanna’s lawyer Bryan Freedman once told Sony Pictures his client is looking for 50% of what Pat Sajak makes.

But the latest report is that Vanna has still not finalized her contract and the negotiations are ongoing, as per the Daily Mail.

A source close to the show revealed to the Daily Mail that, "There are a few hiccups to resolve" before she returns.

“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.”

The source explained, “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 further added, “They want to celebrate this year with little to no drama whatsoever.”

What are the issues surrounding Vanna White’s contract with ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

The source also revealed that a few issues in the delay in finalizing the contract are due to this being Anna’s final contract with the network.

“Wheel wants to make the transition between Pat and Ryan seamless and having Vanna there would be wonderful to make that all happen.”

The source disclosed, “They want her next contract though to be her last contract so there is a little more maneuverability to change things up in a few years when they look for her replacement.”

The insider also stated that Vanna is "OK" with negotiating a final contract, she just wants a "tremendous payday" that the show "isn't ready to consider.”

"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,” the source added at the end.

Vanna contracted Covid in July 2023 and missed the annual Teachers Week which is scheduled to air in October. This is the first time that Vanna will miss the show in nearly 30 years.