Electronic Arts has a new owner. On August 4, 2026, after the close of the U.S. stock market, the company behind EA Sports FC and Battlefield was officially acquired by a group of investors led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sovereign wealth fund used by the kingdom to invest around the world. The fund is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This is not Saudi Arabia’s first investment in the gaming industry, but it is by far the largest. Over the past decade, the country has bought stakes in companies including Nintendo, Capcom, Scopely, Nexon, Take-Two, and SNK through the PIF, Savvy Games Group, and the Misk Foundation.
EA Becomes Part of Saudi-Led Investment Group in $55 Billion Deal
Critics of these investments have described them as “culture washing,” arguing that they are intended to improve the country’s image abroad through popular entertainment while drawing attention away from issues at home.
The deal also includes U.S. investment firm Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, the company founded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The total value of the transaction is $55 billion. Around $36 billion was provided directly by the buyers, while the remaining $20 billion came through financing from JPMorgan Chase.
Regulators in both Europe and the United States approved the acquisition in July, with no major obstacles, although some U.S. politicians and labor unions had called for closer scrutiny of the deal.
EA will continue to be based in Redwood City, with Andrew Wilson remaining as Chief Executive Officer. The company also said its development teams will continue operating independently, with no immediate layoffs planned.
