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Electronic Arts (EA), the gaming giant behind blockbuster titles like Battlefield, The Sims, and Madden NFL, has agreed to be acquired in an all-cash deal valued at $55 billion. Shareholders will receive $210 per share, marking a substantial premium over EA’s recent market price and sending the stock up 4.5% on Monday.

The acquisition is being led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, alongside private equity firm Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, headed by Jared Kushner, former senior White House advisor and President Trump’s son-in-law. PIF, which already holds a 9.9% stake in EA, will remain the largest investor post-transaction.

Largest Gaming Buyout to Date

Analysts at Raymond James describe the deal as the “largest move in the gaming sector by some distance,” underscoring Saudi Arabia’s aggressive expansion into global gaming. Since 2022, PIF’s gaming arm, Savvy Gaming, has invested in several public publishers and acquired companies including ESL, FACEIT, and Scopely.

The EA acquisition includes a $36 billion equity investment combined with $20 billion in debt financing arranged by JPMorgan. The deal structure makes it the largest leveraged buyout in Wall Street history for a video game publisher.

CEO and Leadership Outlook

EA CEO Andrew Wilson, who will continue in his role post-acquisition, expressed optimism about the partnership. “Our new partners bring deep experience across sports, gaming, and entertainment,” Wilson stated in an internal memo. “They believe in our people, leadership, and the long-term vision we are building together.”

Jared Kushner emphasized EA’s legacy in gaming: “I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences. Having grown up playing their games and now enjoying them with my children, I am thrilled about what’s ahead for the company.”

Deal Timeline and Market Impact

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, following a 45-day window for competing proposals. Deal discussions reportedly began in spring, reflecting months of strategic negotiations.

EA’s stock had already surged approximately 15% on Friday to $193.35 after initial reports suggested a potential buyout, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the proposed premium offer.

Strategic Implications

The deal solidifies Saudi Arabia’s growing footprint in the global gaming industry, aligning with broader PIF ambitions to diversify investments beyond energy and into entertainment, sports, and technology. For EA, the buyout provides a platform for long-term strategic investments and operational flexibility away from public market pressures.

With Silver Lake and Affinity Partners also playing key roles, the partnership combines financial expertise with political and business connections, positioning EA for expansion in emerging gaming markets and esports ventures worldwide.