Electronic Arts Agrees to $55 Billion Sale to PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners
In September 2025, Electronic Arts (EA) agreed to be acquired in a $55 billion deal that will take the company private, ending more than three decades as a publicly traded publisher. The agreement, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Silver Lake, and Affinity PartnersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, values EA shares at $210 each in cash.
The transaction ranks among the largest ever in the video game industry. EA said that operating as a private company will give it greater flexibility to expand its subscription services, invest in new titles, and strengthen its position in mobile and emerging gaming platforms, without the constraints of quarterly reporting. The deal is expected to close in 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
Notably, reports suggest that Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, played a key role in orchestrating the deal —particularly in bringing together Saudi PIF and Silver Lake. As one source told the Financial Times, “the only hurdle to clear is Washington DC, and what regulator is going to stop the President’s son-in-law?” The comment has added a layer of political intrigue and raised eyebrows over influence and regulatory independence.
Founded in 1982 and based in California, EA has become a dominant force in interactive entertainment. Its catalogue includes global franchises such as EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), Madden NFL, The Sims, Battlefield, and Apex Legends. The company employs thousands of developers across studios worldwide and has pioneered the live-service model, generating recurring revenue from online play and in-game purchases.
For PIF, the buyout underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a significant player in the global entertainment and technology sectors, while Silver Lake brings its track record of backing large-scale technology and media companies. The partnership is intended to supply EA with long-term capital and strategic support at a time of intensifying competition and consolidation in gaming.
The acquisition, however, also raises questions about governance and the role of state-backed investment in shaping creative industries. Analysts suggest that EA’s long-term test will be to maintain creative quality and innovation while pursuing commercial growth under new ownership.
Image source: Reuters
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