Under the deal, EA shareholders will get $210 per share in cash. PIF is also keeping its existing ~10% stake by rolling it over. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of EA’s fiscal 2027.
EA, known for blockbuster franchises like Battlefield and Madden NFL, has become one of the industry’s biggest players. CEO Andrew Wilson has spent the last decade reshaping the business around recurring revenue streams like subscriptions.
Wilson will stay on as CEO after the deal closes and will also become a significant shareholder.
Here’s what he had to say:
“Our teams at EA have built some of the most iconic IP in gaming and delivered great experiences to hundreds of millions of fans. This deal is a huge recognition of their work. Looking ahead, we’re going to keep pushing the boundaries in entertainment, sports, and tech. I’m more energized than ever about what’s next.”
PIF also weighed in:
“We’re in a strong position in global gaming and esports, building ecosystems that link fans, creators, and IP. This partnership will help EA grow long-term and drive innovation in the industry,” said Turqi Alnowaiser, PIF’s deputy governor.
Silver Lake’s Egon Durban added:
“This investment reflects our focus on partnering with exceptional leadership at standout companies. EA’s growth under Andrew has been incredible he’s doubled revenue, nearly tripled EBITDA, and grown the market cap fivefold. We’re excited to back him and the EA team as they expand globally and continue delivering great experiences.”
This announcement also lands during a broader moment of Saudi Arabia ramping up its presence in American pop culture. Just recently, WWE announced that WrestleMania 43 its biggest annual event — will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027. That’ll be the first WrestleMania ever held outside North America.
