Major Ownership Shift for Gaming Giant
Electronic Arts, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, has confirmed it is going private in a landmark $55 billion transaction. The deal represents the largest all-cash leveraged buyout in history and comes just as the company prepares to launch the highly anticipated Battlefield 6.
Investment Consortium Details
Three major investment firms are backing this massive acquisition. American private equity firm Silver Lake has joined forces with American investment company Affinity Partners and Saudi Arabia‘s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to finance the venture. Together, these firms are committing $36 billion in equity, supplemented by the PIF’s existing stake in EA. An additional $20 billion in debt financing is being provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank.
Leadership Perspective
Andrew Wilson, EA’s chairman and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the transaction. “Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business,” Wilson stated. “This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work.”
Wilson emphasized that the company would continue pushing boundaries in entertainment, sports, and technology, creating “transformative experiences to inspire generations to come.”
Egon Durban, co-CEO of Silver Lake, highlighted EA’s strong sports franchises as a foundation for future growth, noting plans to “invest heavily to grow the business” and expand the company’s reach.
Regulatory Timeline and Leadership Continuity
The transaction must undergo standard regulatory review processes and is expected to finalize during the first quarter of 2027. Andrew Wilson is anticipated to remain as CEO following the deal’s completion.
Investor Background
Affinity Partners, which wasn’t identified in initial reports about the potential deal, is led by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The firm receives substantial funding from Saudi Arabian backers, including the PIF.
The PIF itself is directed by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also owns SNK, developer of the Fatal Fury fighting game series. The Crown Prince has demonstrated strong interest in video games and sports, pursuing deals that expand Saudi Arabia’s influence in entertainment sectors.
Recent Company Restructuring
This ownership transition follows significant workforce reductions at EA earlier this year. BioWare underwent substantial cuts, leaving fewer than 100 developers at the studio responsible for Dragon Age and Mass Effect franchises. Many team members were either laid off or transferred to other projects.
In April, EA eliminated hundreds of positions, including developers at Respawn Entertainment, while canceling a Titanfall incubation project. Additional cuts occurred in May when EA closed Cliffhanger Games and terminated development of the Black Panther game the studio was creating.
Current Development Projects
Despite these changes, EA continues to advance several major titles. Four studios have been collaborating for years on Battlefield 6, scheduled for release on October 10.
The company maintains its focus on annual sports franchises like Madden NFL and EA Sports FC, while also developing other significant projects. Respawn Entertainment continues work on the third installment of the Star Wars Jedi action-adventure series and is assisting external studio Bit Reactor with Star Wars Zero Company, a turn-based tactics game expected in 2026.
This analysis incorporates comprehensive reporting on the gaming industry’s major developments, including detailed coverage of this landmark acquisition.
