Electronic Arts sold to Saudi PIF-led consortium in $55 billion deal FAST-MOVING
Electronic Arts has completed a $55 billion acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The deal, announced in late 2025, was finalized in August 2026 and makes EA a private company after 36 years on the NASDAQ.
The ownership structure gives PIF about 93.4 % of EA, with Silver Lake holding roughly 5.5 % and Affinity Partners – the firm run by Jared Kushner – holding about 1.1 %. The purchase was financed with $36 billion of cash and $20 billion of debt, creating the largest leveraged buyout in gaming history. Shareholders were paid $210 per share and the stock was delisted.
CEO Andrew Wilson remains in charge and said the new owners will provide long‑term capital and support for innovation, including AI‑driven development. Analysts note the added debt could prompt cost‑cutting measures, while critics raise concerns about Saudi influence on EA’s content and corporate culture.
Entities: Affinity Partners · Andrew Wilson · Electronic Arts · Jared Kushner · Public Investment Fund · Public Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia) · Silver Lake
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 14 SOURCES] $36 billion of the purchase price was paid in cash. (All articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] EA shareholders received $210 cash per share and the company was delisted from NASDAQ. (All articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Silver Lake holds 5.5 % of EA. (All articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] The consortium includes Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) holding 93.4 % of EA. (All articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Affinity Partners holds 1.1 % of EA. (All articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] The acquisition was completed in August 2026. (All articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] $20 billion of the purchase price was financed through debt, making it a leveraged buyout. (All articles)
- [● 14 SOURCES] Electronic Arts was acquired for $55 billion. (All articles)