Conan May Get $30 Million To Leave

Conan O’Brien has struck a tentative deal to leave NBC for a large cash payout, valued at $30 million by the industry website The Wrap. O’Brien’s last day may be as early next Friday. The deal, negotiated by Universal President Ron Meyer, does not contain a noncompete clause, so O’Brien would be free to accept a deal to go to Fox, which is widely expected to be in the works.  Many details remain to be worked out, but if the deal is finalized, Jay Leno is expected to return to the Tonight Show slot after the Winter Olympics.