$32,000 is a strange choice, until you consider the fact that it's the 32nd syndicated season. I find it rather silly myself, but given a few tie-in theme elements the show has had before, such as looking for players 30 years of age during its 30th syndicated year, it has plausibility. Buy a Vowel's contestant sources have not failed us once; if it has been wrong, I'd be happy to be proven incorrect on this claim. They're not taken from any random rumor, or person. Both sources for all information in Brian's post are past or future contestants. Usually, Wheel news is broken there first, though credit to Chad Mosher on getting the Season 32 logo out before Buy A Vowel.
Mystery wedges are also getting a slight redesign this season, according to a notable former contestant. It's a small detail, take it for what little it is, but I was told these wedges are getting pinker in coloration, in the style of the $3500 wedge, and possibly the Salmon P. Chase note on the top of its $10,000 side as possibly gone.
Also, shenanigans on $500 as smallest wedge? Picture proof of Season 32's wheel: