Saudi Arabia-led investors have completed the landmark $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA), taking the major US-based video game publisher private in one of the largest transactions ever recorded in the gaming and corporate sectors.
The consortium is led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Affinity Partners. The deal was financed through approximately $36 billion in equity and $20 billion in debt, making it reportedly the largest leveraged buyout in corporate history. It also ranks as the second-largest acquisition in the global gaming industry, behind Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard.
Despite the change in ownership, EA’s leadership structure is expected to remain largely unchanged. CEO Andrew Wilson will continue in his position, providing continuity as the company moves into its next phase as a privately held business.
The acquisition represents another major step in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding presence in the global gaming and entertainment industry. Through its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, the kingdom has been investing heavily in gaming, esports, technology, sports, and entertainment as it seeks to reduce its reliance on oil revenues.
EA, known for major franchises such as FIFA/EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Battlefield, The Sims, and Apex Legends, has a substantial global player base and a strong portfolio of intellectual property. The company’s move into private ownership could give its new investors greater flexibility to pursue long-term strategies, expand its gaming portfolio, and explore opportunities across emerging technologies and digital entertainment.
The transaction further underscores the growing financial influence of Saudi-backed investment groups in major international industries and signals the kingdom’s ambitions to establish itself as a significant force in the global gaming ecosystem.
