Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed its acquisition in a $55bn private deal by a consortium of investors that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), investment firm Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. The agreement, described as one of the largest in the gaming industry, was announced after reports emerged over the weekend. EA’s chairman and CEO, Andrew Wilson, will continue to lead the company as it transitions into private ownership, with the transaction expected to be finalized in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027. The deal underscores the company’s stature as one of the most influential publishers in global gaming, known for franchises such as EA Sports titles, The Sims, Mass Effect, and the upcoming Battlefield 6.
Wilson said the deal represented recognition of the company’s teams and their long-standing contributions to gaming. He praised EA staff for creating iconic IPs and delivering experiences to millions of players worldwide. He also emphasized that the company’s partnership with the investors will enable EA to push further in sports, entertainment, and technology. Jared Kushner, CEO of Affinity Partners and son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting his personal connection to EA games. Kushner described EA as an extraordinary company with a strong management team and vision, adding that he was eager to support its future growth.
Saudi Arabia’s PIF has steadily expanded its involvement in the gaming sector, holding stakes in companies such as Nintendo, Take-Two Interactive, Capcom, and Embracer. The fund, which previously owned a 9.9 percent stake in EA, will roll its investment into the new deal. PIF has also backed Ubisoft, which recently confirmed a free downloadable content pack for Assassin’s Creed Mirage set in AlUla, an ancient Arabian city. The funding of such projects has been linked to Saudi investments through PIF, signaling the kingdom’s growing influence over global gaming content.
The Public Investment Fund is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and was created as part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to diversify revenue streams beyond oil. While its investments have opened doors for global partnerships, PIF has also been at the center of international scrutiny due to the kingdom’s human rights record. A CIA report linked Mohammed bin Salman to the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, though Saudi Arabia has denied state responsibility. Despite such controversies, the fund continues to expand aggressively across industries, with gaming and eSports seen as key areas of focus. The acquisition of EA further strengthens its footprint in interactive entertainment, complementing earlier investments and signaling a continued push into high-profile global assets.
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