EA to Go Private in $55 Billion Buyout

Electronic Arts (EA), the company behind iconic franchises like Madden NFL, Battlefield, and The Sims, has agreed to a $55 billion acquisition, marking the largest private equity buyout in history. The consortium leading the acquisition includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, the investment firm founded by Jared Kushner. The deal, announced on September 29, 2025, will take EA private, with the transaction expected to close in the first fiscal quarter of 2027, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Who's Buying EA?

Under the terms, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, a 25% premium over the stock's closing price on September 25, 2025. The deal is structured with roughly $36 billion in equity from the consortium and $20 billion in debt financing, primarily backed by JPMorgan Chase. EA will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California, with CEO Andrew Wilson continuing in his role.

The scale of the transaction reflects not only the company’s value but also the consortium’s confidence in the potential for growth within the gaming sector. It also underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global gaming, following PIF’s investments in companies like Activision Blizzard, Scopely, and ESL.

What EA Gains by Leaving the Public Eye

Going private gives EA flexibility to innovate without the scrutiny of public markets. The company has faced challenges recently, including layoffs and canceled projects, and the new ownership could allow it to take bolder creative risks and invest in longer-term projects.

For the industry, this acquisition signals an era of consolidation. Major gaming companies are now increasingly attractive targets for investment firms and sovereign wealth funds. While consolidation can lead to stronger portfolios and resources for large studios, it may also reduce the number of independent publishers, potentially limiting diversity in game development.

Saudi Arabia’s stake in EA aligns with its broader strategy of diversifying investments into entertainment and technology. The deal also reflects a trend where private capital is reshaping the gaming landscape, potentially influencing how major studios innovate, expand, and compete globally.

What's Next for Madden, Battlefield, and the Future of Gaming

As the deal progresses through approvals, the gaming community and industry analysts will be closely watching EA’s next moves. The acquisition could reshape the competitive dynamics in gaming, influence development priorities, and set a precedent for future buyouts in the sector. For EA, the challenge will be leveraging private ownership to deliver innovative games while maintaining its market-leading franchises.