In one of the biggest financial shakeups in the gaming industry, Jared Kushner has stepped into the spotlight by backing the largest leveraged buyout in history. The $55 billion deal involves taking Electronic Arts (EA), the iconic publisher of titles like EA Sports FIFA and Madden NFL, private. This ambitious move is being spearheaded by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), tech-focused private equity firm Silver Lake, and Kushner’s investment company, Affinity Partners.
Jared Kushner and Affinity Partners’ Role
Kushner, the former White House adviser and son-in-law of Donald Trump, has been expanding his investment footprint through Affinity Partners. By participating in the EA buyout, he is aligning with global heavyweights like PIF and Silver Lake to reshape the gaming market. Affinity Partners, launched with significant backing from Saudi Arabia, has been steadily gaining traction in major deals, and this EA takeover underscores Kushner’s growing influence in international finance.
The involvement of Kushner has already sparked debate. For some, it highlights his pivot from politics to global dealmaking. For others, his partnership with PIF raises questions about the intersection of U.S. politics, Middle Eastern investment, and entertainment industries.
Why EA Games?
Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts has built a portfolio of blockbuster franchises. From EA Sports titles to The Sims and Apex Legends, EA Games has dominated multiple gaming categories. However, with the gaming industry evolving rapidly, going private allows the company to innovate without the constant pressure of quarterly earnings reports and EA stock price fluctuations.
Saudi Arabia’s PIF already held shares in EA Games before this buyout, but the scale of this $55 billion deal shows its ambition. The kingdom is betting heavily on entertainment and gaming as it seeks to diversify away from oil, and Saudi Arabia EA Games investments are a central part of that vision.
Financing the Largest Leveraged Buyout
The EA buyout is being financed with nearly $20 billion in debt, arranged by JPMorgan, and $35 billion in equity contributions from the investor group. While questions swirl about who bought EA, the answer is this powerful trio: Silver Lake, PIF, and Affinity Partners.
For Silver Lake, which has a strong track record in technology and media, this deal fits its strategy. For Saudi Arabia, the acquisition marks another bold step into global entertainment. For Jared Kushner, it cements his reputation as a financier capable of working alongside sovereign wealth funds and private equity giants.
Impact on EA Stock and Shareholders
With EA sold in this massive leveraged buyout, shareholders will receive a premium payout as the company exits the stock market. As a result, Electronic Arts stock is expected to see a final surge before delisting. Analysts note that while the EA stock price has fluctuated in recent years due to changing consumer habits and competition, the buyout represents confidence in EA’s long-term growth potential.
For gamers, the buyout could bring significant changes. Freed from Wall Street’s scrutiny, EA Sports and other EA Games divisions may take more creative risks, launch new franchises, or even expand aggressively into esports and interactive entertainment in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
What This Means for Saudi Arabia
The Saudi PIF has been pouring billions into global entertainment, sports, and gaming. From buying stakes in companies like Activision Blizzard to this groundbreaking EA Games Saudi Arabia deal, the fund is positioning the kingdom as a powerhouse in digital entertainment. By partnering with Jared Kushner and Silver Lake, PIF is not only diversifying investments but also signaling its intention to be a dominant player in the video game industry.
Looking Ahead
The EA Sports Silver Lake partnership, backed by Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner, could reshape how gaming companies operate. Industry experts believe this deal could spark a new wave of mega buyouts, as investors recognize the value of gaming in the global economy.
For now, all eyes are on how the buyout will impact Electronic Arts’ future strategy, its fanbase, and the broader market for video games. One thing is clear: this deal is about more than just Electronic Arts stock—it’s about power, influence, and the future of global entertainment.
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