EA Confirms Agreement to be Acquired by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners for $55 Billion

Electronic Arts (EA), the publisher behind blockbuster franchises such as Battlefield, FIFA/EA Sports FC, and The Sims, has confirmed it will be acquired by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), along with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, in an all-cash transaction valued at $55 billion.

The consortium will acquire 100% of EA, with PIF rolling over its existing 9.9% stake in the company. EA’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the deal after what it described as a careful evaluation process.

Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of EA’s Board, stated:

“We concluded that this opportunity delivers compelling value for stockholders and is in the best interests of all stakeholders.”

Once the deal is finalized, EA will no longer be listed on any public market.

While the agreement has been signed, the transaction is expected to close in Q1 FY27, pending approval from regulatory bodies and EA shareholders.

Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of EA, emphasized the milestone nature of this acquisition and the work of EA’s teams:

“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.”

The $55 billion deal marks one of the largest acquisitions in gaming history, surpassing even Microsoft’s $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. It underscores the growing influence of sovereign wealth funds and private equity in the gaming sector, while also raising questions about creative direction, leadership continuity, and long-term cultural shifts within EA.

With Battlefield 6 set to launch next month, the acquisition news adds further weight to a pivotal moment for EA’s future.

What do you think about EA going private under PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners—will this investment drive innovation, or risk shifting priorities away from players?