Interactive gaming giant Electronic Arts has announced that an investor consortium will acquire it. This consortium comprises the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The deal is valued at approximately $55 billion and marks one of the most significant mergers in the entertainment sector in recent history.
The agreement is structured as an all-cash transaction, meaning that Electronic Arts’ shareholders will receive cash for their shares. Under the terms, the consortium will acquire 100% of EA, while the Public Investment Fund will maintain its existing 9.9% stake in the company. Shareholders of EA will be paid $210 for each share they own. This purchase price represents a 25% premium over the company’s unaffected share price of $168.32 at the close of trading on September 25, 2025. It also exceeds EA’s unaffected all-time high of $179.01, recorded on August 14, 2025.
The consortium bringing this deal together has extensive experience in the gaming, entertainment, and sports sectors. These investors have committed significant capital and own diverse portfolios across these industries. Their involvement is expected to create new opportunities for Electronic Arts, particularly in blending physical and digital experiences to enhance fan engagement. This strategic move aims to foster innovation and growth for EA, helping to build the future of entertainment.
This transaction is notable not only for its size but also for the way it positions Electronic Arts for future development. The deal has been approved by EA’s Board of Directors and is expected to close in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2027. However, the completion of the deal depends on several factors, including regulatory approvals and approval from EA’s stockholders. Once finalized, EA’s shares will no longer be listed on any public markets.
Funding for the acquisition will come from multiple sources. The consortium plans to invest approximately $36 billion in equity, which each of the investor groups will fund from their respective capital reserves. Additionally, JPMorgan Chase Bank will provide roughly $20 billion in debt financing, with about $18 billion expected to be funded at the time of closing. This financial structure ensures that both equity and debt arrangements fully support the deal.
Following the completion of the acquisition, Electronic Arts will continue to operate from its headquarters in Redwood City, California. The company will also retain its current leadership, with Andrew Wilson remaining as CEO. This continuity aims to ensure stability while the company embarks on this new phase of growth and innovation.
Upon completion of the deal, EA will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California, and continue to be led by Andrew Wilson as CEO.
Advisors: Goldman Sachs is serving as EA’s financial advisor, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as EA’s legal advisor. Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal counsel to the Consortium. Kirkland & Ellis is serving as lead legal counsel for PIF with specialized counsel from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Latham & Watkins and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett are serving as Silver Lake’s legal counsel. Sidley Austin is serving as Affinity Partners’ legal counsel. J.P. Morgan Securities is serving as financial advisor to the Consortium.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work. Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energized than ever about the future we are building.”
Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts
“PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators. PIF has demonstrated a strong commitment to these sectors, and this partnership will help further drive EA’s long-term growth, while fueling innovation within the industry on a global scale.”
Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF
“This investment embodies Silver Lake’s mission to partner with exceptional management teams at the highest quality companies. EA is a special company: a global leader in interactive entertainment, anchored by its premier sports franchise, with accelerating revenue growth and strong and scaling free cash flow. 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. 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.”
Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake
“Electronic Arts is an extraordinary company with a world-class management team and a bold vision for the future. I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games – and now enjoys them with his kids – I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.”
Jared Kushner, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Partners
“The Board carefully evaluated this opportunity and concluded it delivers compelling value for stockholders and is in the best interests of all stakeholders. We are pleased that this transaction delivers immediate and certain cash value to our stockholders while strengthening EA’s ability to continue building the communities and experiences that define the future of entertainment.”
Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of EA’s Board of Directors
