EA Games Saudi Arabia Buyout: $55 Billion Offer Explained

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Jared Kushner’s private equity firm, Affinity Partners, have reportedly made a $55 billion bid to acquire Electronic Arts (EA). The deal, if approved, would reshape the global gaming industry. The offer was submitted in late 2024 and aims to take EA private.

This move marks one of the largest potential acquisitions in video game history. EA, known for blockbuster franchises like Madden NFL, EA Sports FC, Apex Legends, and The Sims, has been seen as a takeover target for years.

Details of the EA Games Saudi Arabia Deal

The proposed transaction is structured as a leveraged buyout. Leading the consortium are two powerful entities:

The Public Investment Fund (PIF): Saudi Arabia’s $700+ billion sovereign wealth fund, which has invested heavily in gaming. It owns Savvy Games Group and holds stakes in Nintendo, Capcom, and Embracer Group.

Affinity Partners: The Miami-based firm founded by Jared Kushner after his White House advisory role. PIF is a major investor in its fund.

The $55 billion bid is a significant premium over EA’s market valuation, which was about $40 billion when the offer surfaced. The plan is to delist EA from public trading and take full control of the company’s portfolio of sports and live-service titles.

Industry experts note this would become the second-largest video game deal ever, behind Microsoft’s $69 billion Activision Blizzard takeover. Reports also reveal EA has previously explored mergers or sales, with talks involving Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Disney failing to progress.

Industry Impact and Potential Roadblocks

A successful takeover would give Saudi Arabia an unprecedented foothold in Western gaming. EA’s sports licensing, including NFL and FIFA successor EA Sports FC, is a global revenue powerhouse. Combined with PIF’s growing gaming empire, this could reshape esports and online gaming strategies worldwide.

However, the deal faces significant challenges. A $55 billion leveraged buyout is highly complex. Regulators in the United States and Europe would closely examine foreign ownership and political ties, especially because of Kushner’s past role in U.S. government policy. Analysts say the offer might be a starting point for negotiations rather than a final agreement.

The EA Games Saudi Arabia bid shows how global investment power is shifting toward the Middle East. It also signals more consolidation in gaming as companies compete for big franchises and live-service markets.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the EA Games Saudi Arabia deal worth?

The reported bid is valued at $55 billion, aiming to take EA private.

Q2: Who is behind the EA Games Saudi Arabia bid?

The offer is led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.

Q3: How does this compare to other gaming acquisitions?

It would be the second-largest in gaming history, after Microsoft’s $69 billion Activision deal.

Q4: Could regulators block the EA sale?

Yes. U.S. and EU regulators will review the deal closely due to its size and foreign ownership.

Q5: Why does Saudi Arabia want EA?

Saudi Arabia is expanding its gaming investments to diversify its economy and influence global entertainment.

References

Reuters. (2025). Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners reportedly bid $55 billion for EA. September 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). Report: PIF leads $55B bid to take Electronic Arts private. September 2025.

BBC News. (2025). Saudi wealth fund’s gaming ambitions grow with reported EA offer. September 2025.