On September 29, 2025, EA confirmed it had entered a definitive agreement to be acquired in a deal worth around $55 billion. It will be taken private by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake Management, and Affinity Partners. The transaction is structured as an all-cash purchase, marking one of the largest deals the games industry has ever seen.
The deal is currently expected to close in Q1 of EA’s 2027 fiscal year, which runs from April 1 to June 30, 2026. It still needs shareholder approval and clearance from global regulators, including a formal review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which is standard for large foreign-backed acquisitions involving US companies.
EA addresses concerns over culture, control, and job security
Spotted by Stephen Totilo of GameFile, EA has gone out of its way to reassure staff that nothing will change creatively once the deal completes. In its internal FAQ, the company stresses that it will continue to put players first, and that its long-standing values around creativity, pioneering, passion, determination, learning, and teamwork remain core to how it operates. EA also says it will retain full creative autonomy over its games and studios.
The company has also addressed concerns around potential layoffs. It told employees there will be no immediate changes to jobs or day-to-day work as a result of going private. Though some people have highlighted that the wording of “immediate” leaves the door open to future shifts once the dust settles, which is a common talking point when private investment enters the picture.
EA believes the move will help it “accelerate innovation” and invest more aggressively, both organically and through acquisitions, even with the significant debt attached to the deal. Analysts reading the situation expect the company to double down on long-term, recurring-revenue franchises. That includes EA Sports FC, Madden, Ultimate Team modes, The Sims, and live service titles like Apex Legends, which generate consistent annual returns.
There is also a regulatory spotlight on the acquisition. The deal has already triggered a review from CFIUS due to foreign ownership and the large volume of player data EA controls. US lawmakers have publicly called for a thorough review, and the Communications Workers of America has pushed regulators to examine the impact on workers and data security. Analysts also point out that with roughly $20 billion in debt involved, the company will likely face pressure to optimize spending and ensure strong cash generation once the transaction closes.
FAQ
Why is EA going private?
EA says going private will give it more flexibility to invest and innovate without the short-term pressure of public markets.
Who is buying EA?
The company is being acquired by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake Management, and Affinity Partners, in an all-cash deal valued at around $55 billion.
Will EA still control its games and studios?
According to the company’s internal FAQ, EA will retain creative control over its projects and maintain its player-first development philosophy. It has emphasised that its mission and values will remain the same post-acquisition.
When will the EA acquisition close?
The deal is expected to close sometime after March 31, 2026, pending shareholder approval and regulatory review, including CFIUS oversight in the United States.
Why is this deal controversial?
Concerns stem from foreign investment influence, potential cultural or political pressure, and the sheer scale of the buyout, which could reshape the global gaming landscape.
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