Saudi-Backed $55B Buyout Takes EA Private Led by Jared Kushner

Electronic Arts (EA), a major video game developer known for franchises like The Sims, FIFA, and Battlefield, is being acquired in a historic $55 billion all-cash deal by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, which is led by Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. The deal represents the largest leveraged buyout in history and will take EA private, with shareholders receiving $210 per share, a 25% premium over the market price. Saudi Arabia's investment in EA aligns with its broader Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy beyond oil by expanding into technology and media sectors, including gaming and esports, where the PIF has already acquired stakes in major companies and launched the Savvy Games Group. While EA's CEO Andrew Wilson affirmed the company's commitment to innovation and entertainment, fans have expressed concerns about potential changes to content, especially regarding The Sims and its inclusive LGBTQ+ features, given Saudi Arabia's conservative social policies and Kushner's involvement. The acquisition follows growing demand for mobile and online free-to-play games and comes at a time when EA has been reshaping its sports titles, such as rebranding FIFA as EA Sports FC. This move further cements Saudi Arabia's strategic positioning in the global gaming industry through significant investments and partnerships.