Electronic Arts will soon be under new ownership in what is being called the largest all-cash sponsor take-private transaction ever. The gaming giant confirmed it will be acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, in a deal valued at roughly $55 billion.
EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, which is a 25 percent premium to the company’s unaffected trading price of $168.32. That payout also tops EA’s record high closing price of $179.01 set in August. Once the transaction closes, EA will be removed from public markets and continue as a private company led by CEO Andrew Wilson from its Redwood City, California headquarters.
Andrew Wilson called the deal “a powerful recognition” of EA’s teams, adding, “We will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come.”
Turqi Alnowaiser of PIF said the sovereign wealth fund is “uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators.” Egon Durban of Silver Lake praised Wilson’s leadership, calling EA “a special company” and noting that Wilson “has doubled revenue, nearly tripled EBITDA, and driven a fivefold increase in market cap during his tenure.” Jared Kushner (Donald Trump’s son-in-law) added a personal angle, saying he grew up playing EA titles and now enjoys them with his children.
EA’s board unanimously backed the sale, with lead independent director Luis A. Ubiñas saying it “delivers immediate and certain cash value to our stockholders while strengthening EA’s ability to continue building the communities and experiences that define the future of entertainment.”
The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, pending regulatory and shareholder approval. Financing will come from $36 billion in equity and $20 billion in debt arranged by JPMorgan, with $18 billion funded at closing.
For gamers, the headline number is less important than who will be in charge. PIF, controlled by the Saudi government, already owns stakes in several major gaming and esports companies, but now it will effectively control one of the most iconic publishers in the world. That is deeply unsettling.
Saudi Arabia’s track record on human rights and censorship should give players pause about what kind of influence could be exerted over EA’s games. Will creative decisions be shaped to align with the interests of a government that routinely suppresses free expression? Will beloved franchises like FIFA, Madden, and Battlefield be used as vehicles for soft power?
Investors will walk away with cash in hand, but fans are left with an uneasy feeling. The idea that a government-backed fund from Riyadh is now steering EA is not just about business… it is about the future of gaming culture itself.
Well said. The Saudis have a lot of money to throw around and we have to wonder what comes with it and why they invest it like they do.