Electronic Arts transitions to private ownership under Saudi fund

Electronic Arts (EA) is undergoing a major structural transformation. As of August 4, 2026, the company is no longer publicly traded and has transitioned into a private entity. Control of the gaming giant is now held by a private group overwhelmingly led by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund.

Founded in 1982 by former Apple employee Trip Hawkins, the California-based company has evolved through various leadership eras, including tenures by Larry Probst, John Riccitiello, and current leader Andrew Wilson. Over four decades, EA has built a massive portfolio through studio acquisitions and major franchises such as ‘Madden NFL’, ‘EA Sports FC’ (formerly FIFA), ‘The Sims’, ‘Battlefield’, and ‘Apex Legends’.