Saudi Arabia and Kushner-led consortium acquire Electronic Arts in record $55 billion deal

By bellecarter // 2025-10-03

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Saudi Arabia, through its sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has acquired Electronic Arts (EA) in a $55 billion leveraged buyout, the largest in history. This deal marks a significant expansion of Saudi influence in global entertainment and raises questions about the intersection of geopolitics, finance and digital media.
The deal involves a partnership between PIF, Jared Kushner's investment firm Affinity Partners and private equity giant SilverLake. The transaction is structured with $36 billion in equity and $920 billion in debt financing led by JPMorgan Chase.
The acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the kingdom's economy beyond oil by investing in technology, sports and entertainment. PIF has already invested billions in gaming, including stakes in Capcom, Nexon and the LIV Golf merger.
The involvement of Kushner has drawn scrutiny, with critics arguing that the deal reflects deepening financial ties between Gulf states and U.S. political elites. The gaming community has reacted with skepticism, expressing concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and potential influence on game development.
The acquisition highlights how gaming has evolved into a geopolitical tool. Saudi Arabia, China and other nations increasingly view digital entertainment as a means of cultural influence and economic leverage. The deal signals a new era where entertainment giants become pawns in broader economic and geopolitical strategies, raising questions about the future of creative independence in the industry.

Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, alongside Jared Kushner's investment firm and private equity giant Silver Lake, has acquired Electronic Arts (EA) in a $55 billion leveraged buyout—the largest in history. The deal, announced Monday, Sept. 29, marks a significant expansion of Saudi influence in global entertainment and raises questions about the intersection of geopolitics, finance and digital media. Public Investment Fund (PIF), the $1 trillion investment arm, partnered with Kushner's Affinity Partners and Silver Lake to purchase EA at $210 per share—a 25 percent premium over its pre-deal valuation. The transaction, expected to close by mid-2026, will take EA private, ending its 36-year run as a publicly traded company. The deal underscores Saudi Arabia's aggressive push into gaming and entertainment, following previous investments in Nintendo, Activision Blizzard and esports. The acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the kingdom's economy beyond oil by investing in technology, sports and entertainment. The PIF, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has already poured billions into gaming, including stakes in Capcom, Nexon and the LIV Golf merger. However, the involvement of Kushner—a former senior White House advisor and son-in-law of Donald Trump—has drawn scrutiny. Affinity Partners, launched shortly after Kushner left government, has secured billions in Middle Eastern funding, including from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Critics argue that the deal reflects deepening financial ties between Gulf states and U.S. political elites. "I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences," Kushner said in a statement, referencing EA's franchises like Madden NFL and Battlefield. His firm's participation signals the growing convergence of private equity and geopolitical influence in tech acquisitions.

Financing and industry reactions

The deal is structured with $36 billion in equity from the consortium, including PIF's existing $920 billion in debt financing led by JPMorgan Chase. EA's board unanimously approved the transaction, though regulatory approvals remain pending. Unlike Microsoft's contentious Activision Blizzard acquisition, this deal is not expected to face antitrust hurdles since it involves financial ownership rather than a direct competitor merger. Yet, the gaming community has reacted with skepticism. Prominent developers, journalists and fans have expressed concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and potential influence on game development. EA CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in charge, but the privatization means less transparency, with no obligation for future public disclosures. The acquisition highlights how gaming has evolved into a geopolitical tool. Saudi Arabia, China and other nations increasingly view digital entertainment as a means of cultural influence and economic leverage. Meanwhile, Russia's recent VAT hike—raising taxes to 22 percent to curb inflation—reflects the economic pressures nations face amid global instability. As Saudi Arabia cements its role as a major player in gaming, the deal raises questions about the future of creative independence in an industry increasingly dominated by state-backed investors. With EA's vast portfolio—including FIFA, The Sims and Apex Legends—under new ownership, the gaming world watches closely to see how this historic transaction will reshape one of its biggest publishers. (Related: Saudi Arabia bolsters maritime security with cutting-edge technology amid regional tensions.) According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, the $55 billion EA buyout underscores the rising influence of sovereign wealth funds in global entertainment—and the blurred lines between finance, politics and digital culture. As Saudi Arabia expands its footprint in gaming and U.S. political figures like Kushner capitalize on international deals, the transaction signals a new era where entertainment giants become pawns in broader economic and geopolitical strategies. Whether this shift fosters innovation or stifles creativity remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: The rules of the game are changing. Watch the video below that talks about Trump's meeting with Saudi Arabia and other Middle East nations about Gaza. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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Financing and industry reactions

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