Electronic Arts Nears $50 Billion Takeover, Possibly Becoming Largest Leveraged Buyout Ever
REDWOOD CITY, CA – September 26, 2025 – electronic arts (EA), the video game giant behind franchises like Madden and FIFA, is reportedly on the verge of going private in a deal valued at approximately $50 billion. The potential buyout is spearheaded by Silver lake, a technology-focused private equity firm, with notable financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). An proclamation could come as early as next week, though details remain subject too finalization, according to reports from Bloomberg and The Financial Times.
This move marks a pivotal moment for both EA and the broader gaming industry, signaling a growing trend of major players seeking to operate outside the scrutiny of public markets. The deal’s sheer size would establish a new record for the largest leveraged buyout in history. The implications extend beyond EA’s shareholders,impacting the future of popular sports gaming titles and reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to diversify its economy through significant investments in the entertainment sector.
Currently publicly traded, EA has increasingly drawn investment from major financial organizations, including the Saudi PIF, which holds nearly 10% of the company. Analysts suggest Saudi Arabia’s interest stems from the consistent revenue generated by EA’s annual sports game releases. this potential acquisition is part of a larger pattern of Saudi investment in gaming, with stakes already secured in Take-Two Interactive, Activision Blizzard, Nintendo, and Embracer Group. Notably, Pokémon Go developer Niantic recently sold its gaming division to a Saudi-owned company, Scopely, in March.
Silver Lake‘s existing gaming portfolio is comparatively limited, primarily consisting of a stake in Unity. In contrast,the PIF and Affinity Partners,founded by Jared Kushner,have demonstrated more extensive involvement in the gaming landscape. The outcome of this deal will reshape the ownership structure of one of the industry’s most influential companies and potentially accelerate the consolidation of power within the video game market.
