Saudi consortium closes EA acquisition
August 5, 2026
By Nik Roseveare
Electronic Arts (EA), the US video game giant, has confirmed that that its acquisition by PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners – first announced in September 2025 – has successfully closed. The deal is valued at $55 billion (€47.6m).
“This moment recognises the extraordinary people whose creativity, ambition and passion have made EA one of the world’s leading interactive entertainment companies,” commented Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of EA. “We’re entering this next chapter from a position of strength with partners who share our vision and ambition. Together, we’ll invest boldly, accelerate innovation, and build the next generation of games and experiences for the hundreds of millions of players and fans who inspire us every day.”
“Having been a minority investor in the company for more than five years, we have a deep understanding of EA’s unique platform, massive global sports and gaming franchises, and iconic IP,” said Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF. “Entertainment and sports are key areas of strategic focus for PIF, and are among the fastest growing and evolving sectors around the world. Together, the Consortium is uniquely positioned to be a long-term partner to EA’s management team in driving sustained growth and innovation for EA and the industry.”
“EA’s franchises are some of the most beloved in entertainment, combining exceptional creative talent with a relentless focus on players,” saidd Egon Durban, CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake. “As long-term investors in technology, we admire how EA’s innovation fuels imagination and human connection. We’re proud to join with PIF and Affinity Partners to invest heavily in EA’s growth, including what AI can do to enhance game development and player experience, and excited to partner with Andrew and the EA team as they raise the bar for fans everywhere.”
“EA has created stories, characters, and communities that have become part of everyday life for hundreds of millions of people,” added Jared Kushner, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Partners. “We’re excited to support the company as it continues to reach new audiences, inspire the next generation of creators, and expand the ways people around the world connect through play.”
With the transaction complete, EA stockholders will receive $210 in cash for each share of EA common stock they owned as of the closing. EA’s common stock has ceased trading and will be delisted from NASDAQ.
According to a filing with Brazil’s antitrust regulator (via WSJ), PIF owns 93.4 per cent of EA following the deal, while Silver Lake and Affinity own 5.5 per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively. Just hours after the deal was confirmed, a post on Bluesky revealed that EA has told investors that it will be cutting $700 million in annual costs, including $170 million in “organisational efficiencies”.
EA’s gaming brands include EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, Madden NFL, Need for Speed, Dragon Age, Plants vs Zombies and more.
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