According to a Wall Street Journal report, Electronic Arts (EA) is close to finalizing a deal that would take the company private in a transaction valued at nearly $50 billion. If completed, the move would represent one of the largest leveraged buyouts in tech and entertainment history.
The potential buyers include Silver Lake, a global investment firm, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Notably, PIF already holds a 10 percent stake in EA, acquired back in 2023. Silver Lake, while not currently invested in EA, is a major backer of Unity Technologies, whose game engine has been used by EA in the past.
The deal is still under negotiation, and neither EA, Silver Lake, nor PIF have issued public comments. Analysts suggest that if the acquisition proceeds, it could significantly reshape EA’s corporate structure, giving it greater flexibility away from public market pressures but also raising questions about governance and creative direction.
Following the news, EA’s stock surged nearly 15 percent, pushing its market capitalization from around $43 billion to closer to the reported buyout value. The next major update may come during EA’s upcoming financial call on October 28, 2025.
This development highlights broader trends in the industry, where sovereign wealth funds and private equity are increasingly seeking influence in gaming and entertainment. While the buyout could provide EA with long-term stability, it also introduces uncertainties around leadership, strategy, and regulatory scrutiny.
