Highlights
- EA has completed its $55B buyout, ending 36 years as a publicly traded company.
- Cam Weber and David Tinson will lead EA's next chapter.
- The deal brings new investment, Saudi-backed ownership, and debt-related scrutiny.
Electronic Arts (EA) has officially completed its $55 billion USD leveraged buyout, marking the end of its 36-year run as a publicly traded company. The publisher is now privately owned by an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.
The transaction follows shareholder approval in December 2025 and final regulatory clearances granted last week. EA stockholders received $210 in cash for each share they owned, and the company's stock has been delisted from NASDAQ.
The completion of the acquisition also brings changes to EA's executive team. EA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrew Wilson, has appointed Cam Weber as President and Chief Studios Officer and David Tinson as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO).
In an Aug 4, 2026, memo to employees, Wilson stated EA is entering its next chapter from a "position of strength," adding that "leading this next phase requires bold creativity and exceptional execution." He pointed out that Weber and Tinson have helped shape some of EA's most transformative moments and will continue building the world's finest games, communities, and innovative culture.
EA Sports FC
Investors Back EA's Long-Term Growth Strategy
The acquisition was first announced on Sep 29, 2025. PIF had already been an EA shareholder for more than five years, investing over $3B in the publisher in 2021 before increasing its stake by 55% in 2023. The transaction was financed through new capital from PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, the rollover of PIF's existing stake, representing approximately $36B in equity, and around $20B in debt financing led by JPMorgan Chase Bank.
PIF Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments, Turqi Alnowaiser, noted that the fund's long-standing investment in EA gave it a deep understanding of the company's portfolio and positioned the consortium to support sustained growth and innovation. Silver Lake CEO, Egon Durban, said the investors plan to expand EA's capabilities, including the use of AI to enhance game development and player experiences.
Meanwhile, Affinity Partners CEO, Jared Kushner, is the founder of the Miami-based investment firm and the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. He said EA has built stories, characters, and communities that have become part of everyday life for hundreds of millions of people.
He also added that the firm will support EA's expansion to new audiences while helping it inspire more creators and strengthen player communities worldwide.
Saudi Ownership Adds New Chapter to EA's Future
The deal further expands Saudi Arabia's presence in the global games industry through PIF and its related investment initiatives. The fund already holds investments in companies including Capcom, Scopely, Nintendo, Nexon, Take-Two, and SNK. Saudi officials have previously said these investments are intended to modernize the country's economy and diversify beyond oil.
EA will continue operating from its Redwood City, California headquarters under Wilson's leadership. The company previously said it would retain creative control and its player-first approach following the acquisition.
Wilson reaffirmed EA's mission, "To Inspire the World to Play," as the publisher begins its first chapter as a private company. EA reported approximately $7.5B in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) revenue for fiscal year (FY) 2026.
Layoff Concerns Emerge Despite EA's Growth Plans
While EA has outlined an ambitious vision for its future as a private company, questions remain over the financial impact of the leveraged buyout. Bloomberg reporter, Jason Schreier, reported on Bluesky that the publisher will carry approximately $18B in debt and has told debt investors it plans to cut $700M in annual costs, including $170M through organizational efficiencies.
EA has not announced any new layoffs following the acquisition. However, the company laid off 300 to 400 employees in 2025, including around 100 at Respawn Entertainment, and confirmed additional job cuts across Battlefield studios earlier in 2026.
The transaction reshapes one of the gaming industry's largest publishers, placing its long-term strategy under private ownership while testing whether increased investment can outweigh the financial and geopolitical scrutiny that accompanies the deal.
