In one of the biggest shifts in gaming history, EA Games has agreed to sell itself for a staggering $55 billion. The deal, led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) in partnership with Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners and private equity firm Silver Lake, marks the largest leveraged buyout in history. For fans and investors, this raises the big question: who bought EA and what does it mean for the future of the gaming industry?
EA Sold in Record-Breaking Deal
After weeks of speculation, confirmation came that EA sold itself in a cash deal valued at $210 per share, a 25 percent premium above its pre-rumor trading price. Shares of EA Games soared, climbing to more than $200 as excitement spread through Wall Street. The deal officially ends the company’s 36-year run as a publicly traded firm, with EA being delisted from the NASDAQ once the transaction closes in 2026.
For many, the sale signals a new chapter. EA buyout speculation has surfaced before, but never with such scale and certainty. By leveraging over $36 billion in equity and a historic $20 billion in debt financing secured by JPMorgan Chase, the consortium created a financial package unlike anything seen in the industry.
Who Bought EA and Why?
The buyers are a mix of global financial powerhouses. Saudi Arabia’s PIF has been steadily increasing its investments in entertainment and technology, already owning a 9 percent stake in EA Games prior to the deal. By joining forces with Kushner’s Affinity Partners and EA Sports Silver Lake, they gained the resources to pull off what analysts call a “generational acquisition.”
For Saudi Arabia, the move aligns with its Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil. Gaming, esports, and digital entertainment have become key investment areas, making the EA buyout both strategic and symbolic.
EA Sports Sold but CEO Stays Put
While headlines scream that EA Sports sold, the company’s internal structure will remain intact for now. CEO Andrew Wilson is expected to continue leading the firm, while blockbuster franchises like Battlefield, Madden NFL, and EA Sports FC will stay on schedule. Studios under EA, including Bioware and Maxis, will also continue development on major projects like Mass Effect and The Sims.
The continuity is meant to reassure fans and employees, though industry insiders remain cautious. The shift to private ownership often brings changes in creative direction, budgeting, and monetization strategies. Whether this EA buyout reshapes the company’s culture remains to be seen.
Market and Community Reaction
The market’s reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with EA Games Saudi Arabia deal boosting investor confidence and raising valuations across the gaming sector. But the gaming community itself has expressed skepticism. Developers, streamers, and journalists have voiced concern that such large-scale ownership changes could impact creative freedom and innovation.
Gamers fear that decisions driven by financial interests may alter the balance between artistry and profitability. The sheer size of the EA buyout has fueled debates about consolidation in gaming and what it means for smaller studios trying to compete.
What Comes Next for EA and Saudi Arabia?
Looking forward, EA Games Saudi Arabia connection could redefine global gaming investments. With Saudi backing, EA could expand aggressively into esports, cloud gaming, and immersive technologies like VR and AR. For Saudi Arabia, owning one of the world’s most powerful gaming publishers enhances its cultural and economic footprint worldwide.
Still, regulatory approval and stakeholder alignment remain hurdles. The deal is not expected to face the same antitrust scrutiny as Microsoft’s Activision purchase, but its unprecedented size ensures regulators will keep a close watch.
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