Vanna White Closes Deal With ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Ahead of Host Pat Sajak’s Final Season

This will be host Pat Sajak’s final season before Ryan Seacrest takes over as host.

Vanna White will remain by Pat Sajak’s side during his final season of Wheel of Fortune.

The 66-year-old TV personality has extended her contract through to the 2025-2026 TV season. This means in addition to being on hand to turn letters on Sajak’s last episodes, White will also be there when Ryan Seacrest takes over as host next fall.

Sajak announced in June that season 41 of Wheel of Fortune, which kicked off last week, would be his last. However, his daughter, Maggie Sajak, will carry on his legacy as a social media correspondent for the game show, which has been renewed through season 45.

News that White is staying on the show comes months after Puck News reported that she had not had a pay raise in nearly two decades, and had hired an “aggressive new lawyer” to get her raise amid ongoing negotiations.
Vanna White and Pat Sajak on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ in 2005. – Ralph Notaro/Getty Images
Citing multiple sources, Puck News claimed White made $3 million a year, while Sajak was earning five times that. Sony declined to comment on the report at the time.

White, who joined the show in 1982, is undoubtedly synonymous with Wheel of Fortune, which premiered in 1981.
Vanna White and Pat Sajak on season 10 of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ in 1992. – Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank
And just moments before news broke that White would be sticking around, ET spoke with Seacrest about how he was feeling about stepping into Sajak’s shoes.

“He is a legend. I’ve looked up to him forever. He’s so good at that job, which, you know, is a little bit of pressure here,” Seacrest said of the 76-year-old host. “But he just said, ‘You’re going to have a great time. It’s so much fun. What’s better than giving away money and doing that every single night?’ I can’t wait to meet the contestants and do it.”

BREAKING NEWS: Ryan Seacrest reveals the shocking reason why he had to leave Wheel Of Fortune after a short time hosting the show

WHEEL of Fortune social media correspondent Maggie Sajak could end up taking over Ryan Seacrest’s hosting job if he doesn’t sign a new contract.

Ryan, 49, took over Maggie’s dad Pat’s longtime job this fall after the iconic star hosted the game show for over 40 years.

Despite her beloved dad’s departure, Maggie, 29, has remained on Wheel of Fortune in her role as social media correspondent.

Maggie has proven popular with viewers, and has created buzz for the show through her use of Instagram and TikTok.

“It’s important to allow Maggie to develop her own voice when it comes to the Wheel fan base, and that makes her incredibly valuable to Sony

TV,” an insider told The U.S. Sun.

“Because the whole point of bringing in Ryan Seacrest was to reach more young people.”

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

As The U.S. Sun previously reported, Ryan’s arrival on the show has brought a major boost in ratings.

But he has only reportedly signed an official contract for two years, leaving Wheel of Fortune’s future uncertain.

“Sony loves the ratings and wants to negotiate a much longer contract for Ryan, but right now they have to have contingency plans in place in case Ryan simply decides to move on,” the insider claimed.

“Maggie has positioned herself to help out if there’s a hosting vacancy, and the franchise is in her blood and her appreciation for the world of Wheel of Fortune is genuine.”

Whether Ryan stays or goes, Wheel of Fortune execs hope to keep Maggie on the show for years to come.

“Maggie’s already proven herself to be a super-valuable member of the Wheel family, especially during this time of transition,” the insider said.

Wheel of Fortune’s Maggie Sajak takes fans on behind-the-scenes tour of new set & reveals detail that will stay the same.

In addition to her job on Wheel of Fortune, Maggie also recently became a licensed attorney.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey,” she proudly posted in November.

“Excited to do some good with this in the future.”

As The U.S. Sun exclusively reported, Maggie’s law license was issued on September 7, 2024, by the State Bar of California.

She graduated from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, DC in May 2023.

Wheel of Fortune’s big changes

The game show has undergone a major transformation now that Ryan Seacrest has taken over hosting duties for Pat Sajak.

-Ryan and Vanna White now host on a brand-new set, featuring a blue-toned stage, a green screen and art-deco wheel design.

-Ryan and Vanna make their big entrance from behind new sliding, brightly lit doors.

-Vanna turns – or now, touches – a modern, digital puzzle board controlled by lasers.

-Ryan brings a new hosting style, and has ditched Pat’s signature cue cards.

-The prizes have also been upgraded, and now include tickets to NFL games, and tickets to A-list concerts.