Report: Matt Lauer Close To New Deal With NBC

Newsday reports that Matt Lauer and NBC are close to a deal that would keep him with the Today Show for another two, possible three, more years. The deal will pay him an estimated $25 million — about an $8 million increase for Lauer.

Reportedly, an industry source says an announcement could come fairly soon. From Newsday:

This is baseball money, but more to the point, this is syndication money. This deal will keep Matt away from the world that ultimately seems to lure all major talk talent; and when you consider that someone like Judge Judy makes well north of $50 million per year, then surely Matt’s value is on equal par, right? In fact, it’s of much greater value. Along with ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” “Today” is the richest franchise on TV, and among the most important.

TVNewser notes if the deal actually is close, an announcement could come as early as next Thursday. If not, though, it may take longer.

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