Electronic Arts, more popularly known as EA, is behind some of the most popular gaming franchises like FIFA and The Sims. And a lot of gamers around the world have probably grown up playing these games. This is why it came as a huge surprise last year when news of EA being sold to a Saudi Arabia backed group had surfaced. And now, the $55 billion deal is complete and EA officially has new owners. So what does the future look like for EA? Will any of the games be impacted by this decision? And where exactly is the company headed? If you’re also wondering about such questions, read on.
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EA has officially been acquired by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, the investment firm founded by Jared Kushner. As mentioned already, the deal was first announced in September 2025 and has now been completed, taking EA private. This means the company’s shares will no longer be traded on the stock market.
Despite the change in ownership, EA’s leadership will remain the same. According to reports, CEO Andrew Wilson will continue to lead the company. In a statement to the press, Wilson said EA is entering a new chapter and plans to continue investing in games and experiences for its hundreds of millions of players.
The acquisition is making headlines not just because of its $55 billion price tag, but also because of how the deal has been financed. According to a BBC report, this is the largest leveraged buyout in history. In easier words, a large portion of the acquisition has been funded through borrowed money, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund reportedly borrowing around $20 billion from JPMorgan to complete the deal.
This has led to concerns about what it could mean for EA in the future. A Bloomberg report predicts thatrhe company could see more layoffs, stricter cost-cutting measures and more aggressive monetisation as it works to manage the debt associated with the acquisition.
The Financial Times had also previously reported that investors believe artificial intelligence could help reduce EA’s operating costs over the coming years, making the acquisition more profitable in the long run.
According to BBC, journalist George Osborn believes that EA gives Saudi Arabia access to one of the gaming industry’s biggest “soft power” assets.
EA owns some of the world’s most recognisable gaming franchises, including EA Sports FC, which has partnerships with thousands of professional football players, hundreds of clubs and dozens of leagues around the world. Saudi Arabia has already invested heavily in sports through football clubs, esports tournaments and other major sporting events. Owning EA further strengthens its presence in both gaming and sports entertainment.
That said, all of these are mere rumours and predictions at this point and nothing has officially been announced. As of now, EA is still led by CEO Andrew Wilson, and things are the same as before. Only time will tell what changes the company goes through (if at all) in future. Keep watching this space for all updates.
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