PIF Acquires 93% of Electronic Arts in Major $55 Billion Gaming Takeover

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia is poised to acquire an overwhelming majority stake in US video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) as part of a consortium takeover valued at USD55 billion (AUD83 million).

A recent regulatory filing in Brazil has revealed the ownership structure, confirming PIF’s dominant position, which reinforces Saudi Arabia’s strategic ambition to be a central figure in the global gaming and interactive media economy.

Commenting on the acquisition, Deputy Governor, and head of international investments at PIF, Turqi Alnowaiser, noted, the partnership will “further drive EA’s long-term growth, while fuelling innovation within the industry on a global scale,”. The deal now proceeds to regulatory review, where its scale and cross-border nature are expected to draw close scrutiny.

PIF to make One of the Largest Buyouts in Gaming History

PIF, the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, is set to roll over its existing 9.9 per cent stake in EA and inject roughly USD29 billion (AUD43 million) in new capital to secure a commanding 93.4 per cent ownership.

Investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners will hold the remaining 5.5 per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively.

The entire acquisition is financed by approximately USD36 billion (AUD54 million) in equity and USD20 billion (AUD30 million) in debt, resulting in EA being taken private and delisted from public markets, currently expected to close in Q1 FY27.

In addition, the acquisition of EA, publisher of global franchises like Madden NFL, EA Sports FC, and The Sims, is a crucial move in Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” program to diversify its economy and expand its soft power.

By securing near-total control of one of the world’s most influential publishers, the organisation positions itself at the core of sports entertainment and interactive media, leveraging gaming’s global fanbase to enhance cultural influence. The deal follows a broader trend of PIF investing in the sector, including stakes in Nintendo, Capcom, and Take-Two Interactive.

A Deal that Offer Liquidity and Certainty

Under the terms, EA stockholders will receive USD210 (AUD317) per share in cash, representing a 25 per cent premium over the stock’s unaffected closing price of USD168.32 (AUD254.48) on September 25, 2025.

However, this shift means EA’s strategic direction, long-term investment priorities, and product focus will now be driven primarily by the PIF, moving away from quarterly reporting pressures and potentially accelerating long-term, speculative investments in areas like generative AI and new intellectual property development.

The takeover is expected to accelerate integration across the Kingdom’s broader gaming ecosystem.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.