The consortium also includes US investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, the Miami-based firm founded by Jared Kushner, former White House advisor and son-in-law of President Donald Trump.

“This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” EA Chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson said of the company’s employees in a statement, adding the deal would help “unlock new opportunities on a global stage”.

EA, known for popular franchises including Fifa soccer games, Madden NFL, The Sims and Battlefield, reported revenue of US$7.5 billion in its most recent fiscal year.

The acquisition is expected to close in early 2026 and requires approval from EA shareholders and regulatory authorities.

Saudi Arabia’s PIF, which already holds a 9.9% stake in EA, will roll over its existing investment as part of the transaction.

The deal will be financed through approximately US$36 billion in equity from the consortium members and US$20 billion in debt committed by JPMorgan Chase.

Upon completion, EA will be delisted from the Nasdaq stock exchange and remain headquartered in Redwood City, California, under Wilson’s continued leadership.

The deal marks PIF’s latest major investment in the gaming sector as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil revenues.