EA officially announces that they’re going private after selling their company to Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners
ARTICLE UPDATE: We previously noted that Fiscal Year 2027 begins on January 1st, 2027. We’ve made updates to the article with more clear information about when Q1 FY2027 begins.
Electronic Arts has released an official Press Release just now after concerning rumors that went out this weekend. The rumors of EA going private for $50 billion have been confirmed today, with private investors including Saudi Arabia’s PIF fund, Jared Kushner’s Affinity group and Silver Lake.
The entire Electronic Arts brand and its catalogue, including The Sims Franchise, have been sold to private investors for $55 billion.
As noted in the official Press Release, the deal will close through and be finalized in Q1 FY2027. The private investors will have ownership of Electronic Arts and its franchises from October 1st, 2026 to December 31st, 2026 when the first quarter of FY2027 begins.
We report the full press release from EA in full:
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) (“EA” or the “Company”), a global leader in interactive entertainment, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor consortium (“the Consortium”) comprised of PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners in an all-cash transaction that values EA at an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion. The transaction positions EA to accelerate innovation and growth to build the future of entertainment.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Consortium will acquire 100% of EA, with PIF rolling over its existing 9.9% stake in the Company. EA stockholders will receive $210 per share in cash. The per share purchase price represents a 25% premium to EA’s unaffected share price of $168.32 at market close on September 25, 2025, the last fully unaffected trading day, and a premium to EA’s unaffected all-time high of $179.01 at market close on August 14, 2025.
PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners bring deep sector experience, committed capital, and global portfolios with networks across gaming, entertainment, and sports that offer unique possibilities for EA to blend physical and digital experiences, enhance fan engagement, and create new growth opportunities. The transaction represents the largest all-cash sponsor take-private investment in history, with the Consortium partnering closely with EA to enable the Company to move faster and unlock new opportunities on a global stage.
“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” said Andrew Wilson, Chairman & CEO of Electronic Arts. “Looking ahead, we will continue to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology, unlocking new opportunities. Together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come. I am more energized than ever about the future we are building.”
“PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators,” said Turqi Alnowaiser, Deputy Governor and Head of International Investments at PIF. “PIF has demonstrated a strong commitment to these sectors, and this partnership will help further drive EA’s long-term growth, while fueling innovation within the industry on a global scale.”
“This investment embodies Silver Lake’s mission to partner with exceptional management teams at the highest quality companies. EA is a special company: a global leader in interactive entertainment, anchored by its premier sports franchise, with accelerating revenue growth and strong and scaling free cash flow. We are honored to invest and partner with Andrew – an extraordinary CEO who has doubled revenue, nearly tripled EBITDA, and driven a fivefold increase in market cap during his tenure,” said Egon Durban, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Silver Lake. “The future for EA is bright, we are going to invest heavily to grow the business and we are excited to support Andrew and the EA team as the company accelerates innovation, expands its reach worldwide, and continues to deliver incredible experiences to players and fans across generations.”
“Electronic Arts is an extraordinary company with a world-class management team and a bold vision for the future. I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games - and now enjoys them with his kids – I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead,” said Jared Kushner, Chief Executive Officer of Affinity Partners.
“The Board carefully evaluated this opportunity and concluded it delivers compelling value for stockholders and is in the best interests of all stakeholders,” said Luis A. Ubiñas, Lead Independent Director of EA’s Board of Directors. “We are pleased that this transaction delivers immediate and certain cash value to our stockholders while strengthening EA’s ability to continue building the communities and experiences that define the future of entertainment.”
Transaction Details
The transaction was approved by EA’s Board of Directors, is expected to close in Q1 FY27 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by EA stockholders. Following the close of the transaction, EA’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.
The transaction will be funded by a combination of cash from each of PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners as well as roll-over of PIF’s existing stake in EA, constituting an equity investment of approximately $36 billion, and $20 billion of debt financing fully and solely committed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., $18 billion of which is expected to be funded at close. Each of PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners plan to fund the equity component of the financing entirely from capital under their respective control.
Upon completion of the transaction, EA will remain headquartered in Redwood City, California and continue to be led by Andrew Wilson as CEO.
Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as EA’s financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as EA’s legal advisor.
Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Consortium. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as lead legal counsel for PIF with specialized counsel from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Latham & Watkins LLP and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP are serving as Silver Lake’s legal counsel. Sidley Austin LLP is serving as Affinity Partners’ legal counsel.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor to the Consortium.
As a result of this announcement, for its Q2 FY26 earnings release scheduled for October 28, 2025, EA will release financial and operational results through a press release and will not hold a conference call or webcast.
As noted in the official Press Release, Andrew Wilson will remain the CEO of Electronic Arts. With the main headquarters of EA still being in Redwood City, California.
There’s currently no information if there are going to be organizational changes within seperate game studios. Including Maxis for The Sims Franchise.
We’ll be talking more about this acquisition in the following days. Until then, we have enough concerns and reasons why this acquisition could be a very bad thing.
What a fucking tragedy. I’m not really surprised because of course it’s all about money. Genuinely wish Maxis could separate from EA and be its own thing.
Now I feel like we’re just carving space for Maxis to stay silent as if they’re not responsible too?
Well, it’s been a fun ride everyone. This feels like the Titanic going down. If the merger happens in 2027, I hope we get some good stuff in 2026, but likely anything controversial will be censored.
What a nightmare, don’t forget that this deal is leveraged with $20 billion of debt, so there are gonna be extreme cost-cutting measures. I wouldn’t be surprised if entire studios are closed.
well that’s the end of the sims for me. they’ll never get another dime out of me.
Off to Inzoi I go very disappointed in the sims been playing since they came out. They have really went down the drain and money hungry. So sad
Same here lol, paralives also releases on dec 5th 2025 and I fully plan on switching over! EA deserves nothing if they treat their playerbase like nothing!
How, exactly, have they “treat[ed] their playerbase like nothing”? They have a fiduciary responsibility to their stockholders. Somebody offers to pay 125%? If they turned that down they’d be sued into oblivion.
remember: all the money you put into the sims dlcs moving forward will go to companies who support and fund the imprisioment and demise of lgbtq people, women and palestinian people, the sims is now owned by conservative companies, all the money you put into the game goes 100% to the hands of these people.
Google and Microsoft were responsible for censoring Palestinian news. You guys really need to put effort if you feel the way you do. Your in America companies are also supporting weapons, prejudice against POC, and the LGBTQ+
If you’re unable to see the responsibilities of your white companies and it’s only an issue now I have to ask where you’ve been?
Also anyone buying a new iPhone or new tech should be conscious about Congo right now. Your very devices that you play The Sims now whether mobile or computer has a piece of Congo in it. These parts are contributing to the genocide in Congo. These lives matter too and we should use our voices against this in the tech community.
not comparable AT ALL, The Sims playerbase is mainly female and lgbtq people, the money from this playerbase moving forward will go directly to a government with policies that demise the existance of lgbtq people and directly denies basic rights to women, it would be comparable to chickens buying KFC, whoever supports The Sims moving forward will have to keep in mind that they’re funding suffering of their own community.
@Edson i don’t even believe that boycotting is an effective tactic, but my god this reply is unempathetic, saying that people should care only (or at least more) for their own community.
anyways, basically every purchase you make under capitalism will go towards an industry that violates human rights. you can’t even go grocery shopping without funding companies that do so. it’s time to stop blaming and guilting the working class. turn your anger towards the working class that traps us in this system with the illusion of choice.
that last sentence was supposed to say RULING class. i can’t seem to edit it but hopefully that was clear.
The good news is, if we’re able to organize, we now have a unique opportunity to help these nefarious people loose a lot of money. Buy what you can before 2027, then bye EA. It was a fun ride.
Also, please don’t give me this both sides crap (not you Edson) and DO move away from Google and Microsoft. And CurseForge. Hell if you can, move away from Apple too. I can’t do it all at once so I’m choosing my battles: being with Apple is precisely what helps me move away from Google for the time being.
We used to be called citizens. Now they call us consumers but guess what? Consumers do have power if they massively go in the same direction.
I hope EA employees take this opportunity to jump ship and create their own company. I’d crowfund that.
Well I’m ready for that Muslim simulator that you all fear will happen. In all seriousness though do we really expect anything of EA?
This company was already an investor in many games including Nintendo. Remember that EA is the ones at fault. Them alone as an American company have preyed on marginalized groups. Their approach to addressing our concerns about self-identity and culture is capitalistic. It’s always been about money. They gather info about our interests and lifestyles through the game and only if they can make a sell will they give us better ways to represent ourselves. It was never about inclusion or actually being seen by a company that cares.
But yeah nice to see us not get ahead of ourselves with what we think we know about the situation. The previous round of this on here was messy and commenters love being racist with their sensationalist take on gaming news.
Oh Kate my dear, have you thought of removing the Arab member you have lodged deep down your throat right now? I couldn’t quite catch what you were trying to tell us! Hope you don’t choke my dear.
From Reddit:
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Gilthwixt
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3d ago
Copying my comment from the other thread, because it sounds like people still don’t understand what a leveraged buyout actually means:
A leveraged buyout means it’s being paid for with borrowed money and the company typically becomes responsible for that debt. Go watch any video on channels like Company Man or Bright Sun Films titled “Why company name failed” and there’s a good chance a leveraged buyout was involved. Corporate raiders will take on massive debt to buyout a profitable company, saddle that company with said debt, then when it inevitably can’t pay off that debt at an acceptable rate, cash out by stripping it of value.
It also sounds like Saudi Arabia is involved, which likely means yet more attempted Esports washing.
Something people tend not to think about is that private companies still have to answer to their shareholders, it’s just that in most of them the shares actually belong to the people running, working for or personally related to the company itself. If the goals of the majority shareholders don’t align with those people, then it doesn’t really matter if the company is public or private.”
Good thing I already pirate this, now I don’t feel guilty at all doing it. Screw you, EA.
me with any popular tv show/movie because everyone’s an a-hole
everyone in the comments of this post and the previous one are overreacting. the trump family and saudi arabia are not unique evils outside of the entire capitalist system but rather expressions and symptoms of it. it doesn’t matter who owns the company, companies will never be owned by someone ethical until the entire system is overthrown. EA being passed from the hands of one set of capitalists to another is not going to change much.
i’m glad that everyone here is passionate about the rights of oppressed peoples, but please realize that this oppression cannot be stopped simply by making the right consumer choices and only supporting “ethical” companies. working conditions are exploitative no matter who you work for under capitalism. class society is the origin of the divide and rule tactic and the only way to end oppression is through revolution.
Why’s everyone disliking this it’s true
Because no all the capital is anti lgbt. The guys that bought EA are from a country that applies Sharia
Kushner and Mohammed Ben Salman may not be uniquely evil, but they sure look like the worst of the worst right now. Targeting the worst is a good strategy to keep all the others in check. Consumer choices may not upend the system, but 1/ that’s precisely why you can get a lot of people to do boycotts and 2/ it will still significantly prevent the system from spiraling out of control too quickly. See it as damage control. It’s still better than waiting for the revolution.
it’s better than doing nothing
Sure, but the fact is some companies are infinitely more evil and unethical than others.
We can agree that while the way things currently are now is wrong, it’s still better to support the more ethical companies and boycott the worst ones where possible rather than just shrugging with the “there is no ethical consumption under capitalism” cop out.
Yes that is the ideal but as individual consumers we can’t just overthrow the entire system by ourselves.
But we can vote with our dollar and boycott where possible. There are still much better businesses out there that aren’t doing what EA is and choosing to support the more ethical alternatives is better than just throwing in the towel and waiting for a revolution.
We are forced to participate in this system for now so the best thing we can do is choose to spend our money as ethically as possible.
I can’t think when you guys get crazy.
I asked chatgpt and it said this:
1. Leveraged Buyout (LBO) mechanics
2. Corporate raiding risk
3. Saudi involvement & “Esportswashing”
4. Private vs Public EA
So are women and LGBT groups at risk or is this a sensationalist take?
Good question — this is where it’s important to separate real risks from fear-driven sensationalism.
1. Inside EA’s games (Sims, FIFA/FC, Battlefield, etc.)
2. Corporate ownership & messaging
3. Women & LGBTQ+ developers inside EA
4. Is it sensationalist to say women/LGBTQ+ are at risk?
Summary: The threat isn’t “EA deletes gay Sims.” It’s more subtle: censorship in certain regions, weakened DEI initiatives, and the uncomfortable optics of LGBTQ+ gamers buying into a company partially controlled by a government that criminalizes them.
Your argument loses any credibility it could possibly have the moment you mentioned asking ChatGPT.
And sure was as guest, so GPT 3.5
Samantha if we want to talk to chat we go and talk with chat ourselves. No need to copypaste this whole short novel here.
Well I asked ChatGPT and it said you should try using your own words instead of relying on a machine, and it also told me I am very handsome and smart.
EA may become responsible for the debt, but the investors are ultimately responsible for EA’s debt. If EA is no longer profitable enough to pay the debt even with mass layoffs, then it will go bankrupt quicker, and not only will the investors not have earned money in the process (which is definitely Kushner’s goal), but the entertainment-washing operation (Saudi’s goal) will also have turned out to be an epic failure. After that, vultures will probably think twice before messing with the gaming industry.
The person or company or organisation that puts in the money, makes the decisions. Its simple like that.
Even IF it the sims would keep excisting as is right now, should we spend money on anything EA related if we know where the money goes and what is possibly done with it? Yes, we can’t change the world and SO MANY other companies are unethical (I dont even know if you can call any company ethical, but that aside), but should we really enabled these people even more? Can we be okay with knowing that content we have access to is being censored somewhere else? Ofcourse, its something to decide for yourself, but these are important questions. If all these things are true (I dont say they aren’t i just haven’t done real research) keep buying is basically saying “okay, i know what you’re up to but its not enough for me to stop buying” and also shows other companies where the boundaries lay.
Also, this has nothing to do with racism in any way shape or form. Stating that oppressing people in any way is wrong hasn’t got anything to do with the oppressor. The oppressor could be an alien for all I care, the actions are (in my opinion) wrong so it needs to be said.
I genuinely dont want to push anyone in a opinion or judge anyone; you do you. I just think we should think about it before making decisions.
The Sims, for example, has had LGBTQ+ options…..
This part not sure at all
I mean at these markets still are right-wing buyers, and combine with Asia and arabs countries, that backlash, financially will be some coins
I’m heartbroken, the sims is an escape for many from the scary times that we are in as of now. I am nervous about what the future holds for The Sims…. Such a disappointment considering the Sims is built on diversity & inclusivity, it sometimes feels as if we are regressing in the world 🙁
I’m sooo looking forward to EA’s quirky write up to the community to reassure them that nothing drastic is going to happen to their beloved game. It always happens and you know what? it always calms the community down for some reason…
They’ll release a free kit and everyone will forget. It happens all the time.
Dear Simmers,
Not the zealots—the normal players who don’t suffer from Stockholm syndrome and toxic positivity. In case you missed it: the buyers are from a regime that openly commits human rights violations—where LGBTQ+ existence is criminalized, where people are persecuted and even executed for who they are, where children are forced into marriage, where women are stripped of their voices and autonomy, treated as property.
Any money you give EA from now on will help bankroll that system.I don’t speak on politics often; I usually try to avoid it because it’s suffocating. But as a gay man living under a government that is actively trying to criminalize me for existing, I can’t stay silent. The responsibility lies with all of us. If you live comfortably in a Western country, with your rights and privileges protected, you owe solidarity to those who don’t share your safety. There can be no real peace until all LGBTQ+ people everywhere are free. Ask yourself: how long do you think you’ll be safe while tyrants profit off the suffering of your siblings across the world? They will come knocking eventually—maybe under different names, but still funded by your silence and your dollars.
So today, I’m stepping away. I denounce myself as a simmer. I will not buy another EA game, not even The Sims.
Ahoy, sailors—time to set sail elsewhere ☠️
PS: #freepalestine
This is a good thing. If someone that supports EA cant live with the truth, game elsewhere or go code your own entertainment.
PS: #f*ckpalestine
If you live comfortably in a Western country, with your rights and privileges protected, you owe solidarity to those who don’t share your safety
LOL, now put in a scale, how many money they could lose with that “solidarity” vs how many money can earn at muslism and east asia countries
SPOILER: at League of Legends, campigns against USD 250 skins, was no successful
Also, I guess, people than yet spent almost USD 1,000 will not leave TS4 (mostly if it was a big effort for they)
Without this investment deal I still want to know why theres MAGA and hasbara in The Gallery? Who’s moderating The Gallery to keep allowing white masters, black slaves, IDF soldiers, israeli hostages, Palestinians families with disheveled clothing, etc? EA is already corrupt.
Just cancelled my adventure awaits preorder ✌
I never preorder but wish I had for the optics of cancelling it today.
So these are the global changes that await us. And we’ve already started dreaming about fixing bugs, about cars, or about the open world…
Doubt we’ll be getting any more EPs after Adventure Awaits tbh
You’re dreaming, the merger is at the beginning of 2027, they absolutely have to bring in money for shareholders during 2026, but it will be very interesting to see what themes and paths they will take during 2026.
After Adventure Awaits, we will have 7 kits and 1 EP 100%.
Welp everyone i implore you to strictly pirate this game from here on if you aren’t already
Remember gang: pirating is great
You can’t even buy The Sims 4 in Saudi Arabia
Are we going to see the fall of Lilsimsie or will she show her true capitalist face by supporting this, it’s so funny, I’m ecstatic.
That’s so c*nty Michael
lmao this aged like milk, she literally just made a post on yt stating she will no longer work with EA if they allow this merger to happen and remove lgbt content. EA/Maxis is actually done for if they allow this sale to happen considering virtually their entire fan base is pro gay rights and pro women’s rights. (Although it seems like Maxis is attempting to prevent it, but will more than likely not be successful:( )
There is far too much money at stake, she would lose a fortune, the bulk of her income, for the moment, she cannot do otherwise, but that will not last once the purchase is finalized in 2027. Not all of her fan base is part of the LGBT community, most are straight girls, she can’t ban EA, she depends on them financially.
No she doesn’t. YT’s and Twitch’s revenues are far greater than whatever she makes directly from EA. And these revenues will remain the same even if she switches to other cozy/relaxing games, her fanbase won’t leave if she moves on to playing smth else.
Has she though? I just checked her channel and there’s a lengthy post about the situation but she hasn’t actually said that she won’t work with them.
Exactly, she just said she was staying attentive to the situation, not that she was stopping, or that she would boycott the sims 4 or EA.
wow, they’ve really done it… so now (from 2027 onwards) all the money generated by the sims will go to trump’s son-in-law company and the Saudi investment fund
note: Trump’s family has hands in this deal, so it will go through with no issues and won’t go through as much government scrutiny… 🙁
You think that Trump’s son-in-law is going to spend his time poking around in the game, he’s going to pocket the profits, that’s all, you have no problem using Elon Musk’s X who was part of the Trump government, so stop your nonsense.
Your money is already going to the Saudi fund, they have been shareholders of EA for 2 years.
you all criticize but Saudi Arabia, has already been a shareholder of EA for 2 years, so you already give them money by buying everything you have bought for 2 years, and yes, surprise, this country so horrible as you say earns money thanks to you, so you finance an anti lgbt country for 2 years, how do you feel now..3/4 of you will not boycott the sims despite what you say, you cannot live without it
This is sensible. The same fund that bought EA will very likely acquire automaker LUCID of which it already has owned shares and has funded a big chunk of this company’s inception and continuing existence
Make EA Great Again, Jared!!
what do you guys think this will mean for the LGBTQIA+ representation in the game?Im really scared as a queer sims player…
I have the same concern
How to delete your EA account? I’m trying but the website won’t let me. It just says to contact customer service via chat, but there’s no chat option anywhere. That’s not very compliant with GDPR.
Reading that whole article gave me
No reassurance that sims will remain its amazing self. I’m confused at how they are in debt so much money. I wish there was a breakdown explaining why they are selling or whatever.
It was the investors who bought EA who took out this loan, and they will therefore have to repay it from EA’s profits in the coming years, cost reductions, layoffs, it was not EA before the sale that had this debt.
i can explain why they are selling… It was in the article above.
EA was a publicly traded company
They had shareholders.
Each share was worth $168.32
A company offered $210 per share, $41.68 MORE than it was worth on the open market
The Board of Directors have a FIDUCIARY responsibility to make shareholders a profit.
It would be a dereliction of duty if they did not sell the company for 125% of its value. They could be sued for not looking out for the best interests of the shareholders, and they would be liable for damages and legally accountable. The cost per share peaked at $179.01, and this exceeded that high mark by $30/share.
So they sold and made large profits for their (now former) shareholders. In a publicly traded company, you don’t get to just say NO. When Musk offered to buy Twitter, they had no choice but to sell, because of their fiduciary responsibility to their shareholders. Publicly traded companies have different responsibilities.
I just want a Band Pack before the game dies. I mean I hope it doesn’t end, but I would like a Band Pack soon.
The game is not going to stop, it is very profitable, the music groups will arrive at some point.