Electronic Arts (EA), the powerhouse behind FIFA, Madden NFL, and The Sims, is set to go private in a record-breaking $55 billion leveraged buyout. The deal, announced September 29, 2025, is led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, and investment giant Silver Lake—making it the largest leveraged buyout in history.
Inside the Deal
Transaction value: $55 billion
Offer to shareholders: $210 per share in cash (~25% premium)
Funding structure: ~$36 billion equity + $20 billion debt, largely underwritten by JPMorgan
Timeline: Expected to close in fiscal Q1 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval
Leadership: EA CEO Andrew Wilson will remain, and the company’s HQ will stay in Redwood City, California
Once completed, EA will be delisted from public markets, allowing it to operate without the pressures of quarterly earnings and investor scrutiny.
Why It Matters
Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Ambitions
For PIF, the acquisition reinforces its strategy to diversify away from oil and become a global powerhouse in entertainment and gaming. With major stakes already in companies like Activision Blizzard and Nintendo, taking full control of EA positions Saudi Arabia at the center of the gaming industry’s future.
Kushner’s Role
Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners played a key role in structuring the deal. While his firm will only hold a minority stake, Kushner’s Saudi connections were critical in bringing the transaction together—underscoring how politics, finance, and entertainment are increasingly intertwined.
Industry Impact
The takeover is expected to reshape the global gaming landscape:
Consolidation trend: May trigger more mega-deals in gaming and tech
Innovation potential: Private ownership could free EA to experiment with AI-driven gameplay, metaverse expansions, and new subscription models
Regulatory spotlight: U.S. and EU regulators are likely to examine the deal closely given the involvement of a sovereign wealth fund
Risks on the Horizon
Regulatory approval is not guaranteed, especially given geopolitical sensitivities
Debt load from the buyout could strain EA’s finances if growth slows
Creative autonomy for studios may be challenged under new ownership structures
What’s Next
If successful, the transaction will close in early 2027. Until then, all eyes will be on regulators, shareholder reactions, and EA’s upcoming releases (Battlefield 6, The Sims 5), which could significantly influence sentiment around the deal.
This historic acquisition is more than a gaming headline—it’s a power play in the global tech and entertainment market, setting the stage for how nations, private equity, and politics will shape the future of interactive media.
