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The Esports Advocate
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The deal is valued at $55 billion and involves Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.
Electronic Arts has announced a definitive agreement to transition into a private company through an acquisition by an investor consortium. The deal, valued at $55 billion, involves the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the investment firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, an entity founded by Jared Kushner. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a significant premium over the company's unaffected share price of $168.32 as of September 25, 2025.
The transaction has received approval from the Electronic Arts Board of Directors and is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, pending regulatory and shareholder approval. Upon completion, the consortium will assume 100% ownership of the publisher, and the company’s common stock will be delisted from public markets. Current CEO Andrew Wilson is slated to remain in his leadership role, and the company will maintain its headquarters in Redwood City, California. Both parties have agreed to a $1 billion termination fee should the deal fail to proceed due to regulatory hurdles or alternative acquisition interests.
This acquisition marks a significant expansion of the Saudi Arabian government’s influence within the global gaming and esports sectors. The PIF already maintains a substantial portfolio in the industry, including ownership of the Savvy Games Group and various minority stakes in major international publishers. Industry observers note that this move aligns with broader concerns regarding the use of entertainment and sports investments to enhance the nation's global image, a practice frequently scrutinized by international human rights organizations.
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