EA Rights Sold in Unprecedented Deal
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), one of the largest video game publishers globally, has agreed to a landmark acquisition valued at $55 billion. This marks the unexpected transition of the company to private ownership.
The all-cash deal, announced on September 29, 2025, involves a consortium of investors, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner.
According to the agreement, EA shareholders will receive $210 per share, offering a 25 percent premium over the company’s stock price before the announcement. This transaction is among the largest leveraged buyouts in history, highlighting the growing global interest in the gaming industry, which continues to grow despite broader market slowdowns.
EA’s board of directors unanimously approved the sale, citing it as a move that provides “immediate and certain value” to shareholders. CEO Andrew Wilson will retain his role, and the company will continue to operate under its current leadership structure. Wilson stated that the acquisition “positions EA for long-term success” and will enable the company to “invest boldly in the next generation of interactive entertainment.”
Approximately $36 billion of the transaction will be funded by equity from the consortium, with the remaining $20 billion financed through debt, primarily underwritten by JPMorgan Chase. Once finalized, EA will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq, concluding its 36-year tenure as a publicly traded company.
Analysts have pointed out that the substantial debt could pressure EA to streamline operations and enhance profitability. While some caution that such buyouts may restrict creative freedom, others believe that private ownership could provide EA with more flexibility to pursue innovation without the short-term pressures of quarterly earnings.
Regulatory approval is still pending, including reviews in the U.S. and internationally due to the involvement of foreign investors. The transaction is anticipated to close in early 2027.
For gamers and employees, the sale signifies a new chapter for the company behind FIFA, The Sims, and Battlefield—one that could redefine not only EA’s future but also the balance of power across the entire gaming industry.
