• PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners plan a USD 50B buyout of gaming giant EA,
• EA, behind “Battlefield” and “FC,” seeks stability as gamers cut back on spending and competition pressures intensify.
• A successful deal cements Saudi’s role in gaming, aligning with Vision 2030 to diversify the economy beyond oil.

PIF

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is in advanced talks to join a USD 50 billion deal to take Electronic Arts (EA) private. The potential buyout, which also includes Silver Lake and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, could be announced as early as next week.

If finalized, the move would be one of the largest leveraged buyouts ever recorded. It underscores PIF’s growing focus on the global gaming industry, following major investments in esports and publishers through Savvy Games Group.

EA is betting heavily on its sports titles like FC 26 and shooters such as Battlefield 6 to maintain momentum. The company faces an industry where players are spending more selectively. Furthermore, private ownership could give EA the flexibility to reposition in a shifting market.

Gaming

The deal comes amid a rebound in global megadeals. With expected U.S. rate cuts and stronger boardroom confidence, big acquisitions are returning. Moreover, analysts see EA as a logical target thanks to predictable cash flows and recurring revenues from annualized sports titles.

For Saudi Arabia, the potential acquisition goes beyond gaming. PIF views the sector as cultural infrastructure, as vital for global influence as sports and film. Aligning with Vision 2030, the deal would further diversify Saudi’s portfolio and deepen its footprint in global entertainment.

Bottom Line: PIF’s interest in EA highlights gaming’s role in Saudi’s diversification strategy. A USD 50 billion move signals ambition beyond regional dominance. The deal would also accelerate Saudi’s push to position itself as a global hub in entertainment and digital culture.