Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed one of the most dramatic shakeups in gaming history. A $55 billion EA buyout hands Madden over to investors including Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner, as part of a mega deal that will take the publisher private. The move instantly becomes one of the largest buyouts ever in the gaming industry.
The deal, backed by Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Affinity Partners—founded by Jared Kushner—is expected to close in the first fiscal quarter of 2027. If approved by regulators and stockholders, it will end EA’s decades-long run as a publicly traded company.
A Landmark Deal In Gaming History
The transaction has already been greenlit by EA’s Board of Directors, though it still faces regulatory hurdles. Once finalized, EA’s stock will be delisted from public markets, marking a seismic shift in how the company operates.
The financing behind the deal is complex but massive:
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$36 billion in equity funding from PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
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$20 billion in debt financing from JPMorgan Chase, with $18 billion expected to close immediately.
For investors, this deal cements gaming as one of the hottest global assets. For players, it raises new questions about how ownership changes could affect iconic franchises like Madden NFL, FIFA, and The Sims.
Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Gaming Ambitions
Saudi Arabia’s involvement is no surprise. The kingdom has been aggressively investing in gaming and esports to diversify its economy and gain cultural influence. PIF already owns stakes in companies like Activision Blizzard, Nintendo, and Capcom.
By securing an even bigger role in EA, Saudi Arabia signals its intent to become a dominant player in global entertainment—beyond just oil and energy.
Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners Steps In
Another surprising element of this buyout is Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. The fund has positioned itself as a bridge between U.S. investors and Gulf capital. By joining forces with PIF and Silver Lake, Kushner gains influence in one of the world’s most lucrative entertainment sectors.
This involvement will likely spark debate in both gaming and political circles, as concerns grow over foreign investment shaping the future of American pop culture exports.
What Happens To EA After The Buyout?
Despite the massive shift in ownership, EA says it will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California. CEO Andrew Wilson is expected to stay in charge, ensuring some level of continuity for employees and gamers alike.
Still, going private could give EA more freedom to make bold decisions without quarterly earnings pressure. That could mean faster innovation—or tighter control by investors who now have unprecedented sway over one of gaming’s most powerful publishers.
A $55 billion EA buyout hands Madden over to investors including Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner, reshaping not only Electronic Arts but the global gaming landscape. This deal isn’t just about football games—it’s about power, politics, and the future of digital entertainment.
Whether this leads to a new golden era for EA or sparks backlash from gamers remains to be seen. What’s clear is that gaming just became even more intertwined with global finance and geopolitics.
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