Electronic Arts Acquired in Record $55 Billion Deal by Saudi PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners
Electronic Arts (EA), one of the world’s most influential video game publishers, has officially agreed to a historic $55 billion (£41 billion) buyout. The deal, which involves Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), U.S.-based investment firm Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, marks the largest leveraged buyout in corporate history.
The acquisition values EA at $210 per share, representing a 25% premium over its market price, and will take the company private, removing its shares from public stock exchanges. This move signals a seismic shift in the gaming industry, given EA’s four-decade-long dominance with blockbuster franchises such as EA FC (formerly FIFA), The Sims, Mass Effect, and Need for Speed.
A Landmark Leveraged Buyout
The $55 billion transaction is considered the largest leveraged buyout ever recorded. Roughly $36 billion of the deal will come directly from the consortium of buyers, while the remaining funds will be secured through loans. Leveraged buyouts are typically high-risk, high-reward ventures where large amounts of borrowed capital are used to finance acquisitions, with the expectation that future profits will cover repayments.
Despite the risks, EA’s strong revenue streams from both game sales and in-game monetization made it a prime target. EA’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Wilson, who will continue leading the company after the deal, hailed the acquisition as a “powerful recognition” of the studio’s achievements.
“Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come,” Wilson said in a statement, underlining EA’s vision for the next era of gaming.
EA’s Legacy in Gaming
Since its founding in 1982, Electronic Arts has been synonymous with some of the most successful video game series ever made. Its football franchise, previously branded as FIFA and now rebranded as EA FC, has sold more than 325 million copies globally since 1993, making it the best-selling sports video game of all time.
The Sims franchise, which pioneered life simulation games, has sold over 200 million units worldwide, while the adrenaline-filled Need for Speed racing series has surpassed 150 million copies sold.
EA has also been a publishing partner for several globally recognized entertainment franchises, producing games tied to Harry Potter, James Bond, and Star Wars. This legacy of top-tier partnerships and high-performing titles has secured its position as one of the most valuable companies in the gaming sector.
Saudi Arabia Expands Its Gaming Empire
The acquisition is the latest in a series of aggressive moves by Saudi Arabia to cement its role as a global gaming powerhouse. The nation, through its sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been pouring billions into video game studios, esports, and mobile gaming ventures.
In March 2025, PIF purchased the gaming division of Niantic—the creators of the global mobile sensation Pokémon Go—for $3.5 billion. That acquisition was merged into Scopely Inc., the company behind the mobile hit Monopoly Go. Notably, Scopely itself was acquired by PIF-owned Savvy Games Group in 2023 for $4.9 billion.
Saudi Arabia has also made high-profile investments in global gaming giants like Nintendo and Take-Two Interactive, extending its influence across the industry. With the EA acquisition, the country now controls one of the most recognizable and profitable gaming brands in history.
A Broader Strategy: Esports and Global Gaming Leadership
Beyond acquisitions, Saudi Arabia has been working to position itself as a leader in the esports industry. The country hosted the inaugural Esports World Cup and has plans to host the Olympic Esports Games in 2027. These efforts reflect Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to diversify the Saudi economy, reduce dependence on oil revenue, and build a thriving digital entertainment ecosystem.
The purchase of EA further aligns with this strategy, granting Saudi Arabia not only financial returns but also cultural influence through one of the world’s most important gaming companies.
Human Rights Concerns Shadow the Deal
While the acquisition strengthens Saudi Arabia’s standing in the gaming industry, it has also reignited global debates about ethics and human rights. Critics have pointed to the country’s human rights record, citing restrictions on free speech and the treatment of political dissidents.
A 2019 United Nations report concluded that “the state of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responsible” for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was a vocal critic of the Saudi government. This background has raised concerns about whether Saudi investments in global entertainment and technology industries are being used as a form of “soft power” to reshape its international image.
Human rights advocates have urged EA employees, fans, and industry leaders to question the broader implications of such a deal. Some argue that while the acquisition may bring financial stability and expansion opportunities to EA, it could also complicate its public reputation, especially in Western markets where scrutiny of Saudi Arabia remains high.
What This Means for EA’s Future
For EA, the buyout provides massive capital and a chance to focus on innovation without the short-term pressures of quarterly stock market performance. Going private often allows companies to take bigger creative risks and invest in long-term projects without fear of shareholder backlash.
Industry analysts believe the acquisition will likely accelerate EA’s expansion into live-service gaming, esports, and mobile gaming—sectors with high growth potential. With the financial backing of Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the expertise of Silver Lake, EA could double down on cloud gaming, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence-driven game design.
However, there is also uncertainty. Some gamers fear that corporate influence and political ties could impact creative freedom or even content direction. Balancing profitability, innovation, and ethical perception will be critical for EA as it embarks on this new chapter.
A Defining Moment for the Gaming Industry
The $55 billion sale of Electronic Arts is not just a business story—it is a cultural turning point for the gaming world. By bringing one of the most iconic publishers under private ownership led by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, the deal illustrates how gaming has evolved into one of the most lucrative and strategically important entertainment industries on the planet.
As Andrew Wilson and his team chart EA’s future under new ownership, the industry will be watching closely. Whether this historic acquisition results in groundbreaking new experiences or sparks controversy over political influence, one thing is clear: the gaming landscape has changed forever.