Video Game Developer Electronic Arts To Go Private In Record $55 Billion Deal

EA Sports. It’s in the game.

Whether you’re an avid gamer, a novice, or you game in moderation, at some point in your life, you’ve most likely heard this phrase. If you haven’t (have you even played any video game?), it’s the signature intro to almost every EA Sports game published by Electronic Arts (EA) Inc.

Either way, games published by Electronic Arts were quite often a starting point for newbie gamers and have played (pun intended) a big part in shaping the gaming industry into what it is today.

While its sports division, i.e., EA Sports, spanned games such as EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), Madden NFL, NHL, F1, UFC, NBA Live, and more, EA was the production house behind titles such as Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, and Need for Speed, and a whole lot more.

On September 29, 2025, Electronic Arts announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by a consortium of investors, comprising Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, in an all-cash transaction valued at $55 billion. 

As per sources, PIF, which already owned around 10% of EA before the deal, will become a majority shareholder in EA, with Affinity Partners owning around 5%. 

This amount represents the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment in history, and post-closure EA’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.

As such, the consortium will acquire 100% of EA, where PIF will roll over its existing 9.9% stake, making Electronic Arts a private company. It will be funded through an equity investment of around $36 billion, the rollover of PIF’s stake, and $20 billion of debt financing at close.

Current stockholders of EA will receive $210 per share in cash, representing a 25% premium to the company’s unaffected share price of $168.32 at market close on September 25, 2025, as well as its all-time high of $179.01 from August 14, 2025.

The deal, which was approved by EA’s Board of Directors, is expected to close in Q1 FY2027 and is subject to customary closing conditions, as well as approval by regulators and EA stockholders.

The consortium will bring deep sector experience, committed capital, and global portfolios with networks across gaming, entertainment, and sports, enabling EA to deliver enhanced physical and digital experiences, enhance fan engagement, and create new growth opportunities.

Post completion of the deal, EA’s headquarters will remain as the current Redwood City, California, and will continue to be led by Andrew Wilson as CEO.

“We are honored to invest and partner with Andrew—an extraordinary CEO who has doubled revenue, nearly tripled EBITDA, and driven a fivefold increase in market cap during his tenure,” said Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake.

“The future for EA is bright, we are going to invest heavily to grow the business and we are excited to support Andrew and the EA team as the company accelerates innovation, expands its reach worldwide, and continues to deliver incredible experiences to players and fans across generations.”

“We are entering a new era of opportunity. This is one of the largest and most significant investments ever made in the entertainment industry. Our new partners bring deep experience across sports, gaming, and entertainment,” said EA’s current Chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson in a memo that was sent to the company’s employees and published on EA’s website. “They are committed with conviction to EA—they believe in our people, our leadership, and the long-term vision we are now building together.”

The message spoke about the company’s future with the new owners, reassured gamers that the move will allow the company to deliver better experiences that “amplify the creativity of our teams, accelerate innovation, and pursue transformative opportunities that position EA to lead the future of entertainment.”

It primarily thanked all current team members: “Thank you for your creativity, your commitment, and the passion you bring to EA every day.”

“This is a historic moment, and with the support of our new partners, the future we are building together is brighter than ever,” concluded the message.

Do you think the new investment will help Electronic Arts deliver better experiences for gamers and grow its customer base?

Let us know in the comments below!