Electronic Arts (“EA”), the California-based video game maker responsible for Madden NFL and The Sims, recently announced in September of 2025 that it is going private in a landmark $55 billion deal. (Nicholas Miller & Lauren Thomas, Wall Street Journal). A consortium of financial entities, namely Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (“PIF”), Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners investment fund, and the massive private equity fund Silver Lake Partners, are jointly facilitating the leveraged buyout. (Daniel Stone, Center for Economic and Policy Research). As the terms stand, the consortium will acquire 100% of EA and stockholders will be paid a staggering $210 per share, which represents a 25% premium to EA’s share price on September 25, 2025 (valued at $168.32). (Electronic Arts). While the deal has raised eyebrows for being the largest leveraged buyout since TXU (“Texas Utilities”) was acquired for $32 billion in 2007, it has also raised concerns related to national security and foreign influence by Saudi Arabia. (Michael Liedtke and Michelle Chapman, AP News). The acquisition reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing effort to expand its global influence through interactive entertainment and sports, while U.S. investors and political allies provide financial and regulatory cover. (The Economist). This post examines the key players of the acquisition, their motives for pursuing such a legendary deal, the regulatory hurdles the acquisition faces at the federal level, and the possible social & political implications of the deal.

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