Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners Powers $55 Billion EA Buyout with Saudi PIF

Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners Joins Saudi PIF and Silver Lake in Historic EA Buyout

Electronic Arts (EA), a titan in the world of video games, is poised for a dramatic transformation. In a landmark $55 billion deal, the gaming giant will go private, backed by a powerful consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity heavyweight Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, the investment firm founded by Jared Kushner.

The deal, announced on Monday and reported by CNN and The Hollywood Reporter, is the largest buyout ever recorded in the gaming sector. EA shareholders are set to receive $210 per share in cash—a 25% premium over the company’s closing price prior to the news, according to Front Office Sports. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of EA’s fiscal year 2027, subject to regulatory approval.

Inside the Consortium: Kushner’s Role and Saudi Investment

At the heart of this mega-deal are three players with distinct ambitions. Saudi Arabia’s PIF, which already owns nearly 10% of EA, is rolling over its stake and deepening its commitment to gaming and esports—a sector in which the kingdom has made strategic moves in recent years. Silver Lake, led by Egon Durban, brings its reputation for transformative investments in technology and entertainment. And then there’s Jared Kushner, whose Affinity Partners is emerging as a notable force in global finance.

Kushner’s involvement is more than financial. In a statement, he reflected on his personal connection to EA: “I’ve admired their ability to create iconic, lasting experiences, and as someone who grew up playing their games—and now enjoys them with his kids—I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead.” His words underscore the generational impact of EA’s titles, from Madden NFL and The Sims to Battlefield.

EA’s Transformation: Leadership, Legacy, and Future Strategy

EA, founded in 1982, has long been a leader in interactive entertainment. Under CEO Andrew Wilson, the company has shifted its business model toward recurring revenue streams, such as subscriptions and live services—a move that has helped EA weather industry volatility. Wilson will remain CEO after the buyout, retaining a major stake in the company.

“Our creative and passionate teams at EA have delivered extraordinary experiences for hundreds of millions of fans, built some of the world’s most iconic IP, and created significant value for our business. This moment is a powerful recognition of their remarkable work,” Wilson said. He emphasized EA’s commitment to innovation and its vision for shaping the future of entertainment, sports, and technology.

The buyout comes at a pivotal moment for EA. Last year, the company laid off 5% of its workforce, joining other gaming firms in streamlining operations after a pandemic-driven boom. Now, with a new ownership structure and fresh capital, EA aims to accelerate growth, invest in new technologies, and expand its reach worldwide. The anticipated release of Battlefield 6 signals EA’s intent to remain at the forefront of gaming.

Global Implications: Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Ambitions and Industry Impact

The involvement of Saudi Arabia’s PIF is a clear sign of the kingdom’s ambitions in gaming and esports. Turqi Alnowaiser, deputy governor and head of international investments at PIF, noted, “PIF is uniquely positioned in the global gaming and esports sectors, building and supporting ecosystems that connect fans, developers, and IP creators.” The fund’s commitment to EA is part of a broader strategy to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and establish the country as a hub for digital entertainment.

For Silver Lake, the deal is a testament to EA’s enduring value. “EA is a special company: a global leader in interactive entertainment, anchored by its premier sports franchise, with accelerating revenue growth and strong and scaling free cash flow,” said Egon Durban. Silver Lake’s investment philosophy centers on partnering with exceptional management teams at high-quality companies, and EA fits the bill.

The ripple effects of this deal will be felt across the gaming industry. With EA going private, the company will have more flexibility to make long-term bets, pursue innovative projects, and respond to shifting consumer habits without the pressure of quarterly earnings reports. The influx of capital and strategic vision from the consortium could redefine what’s possible in gaming, from immersive worlds to new business models.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite the optimism, the buyout is not without challenges. Regulatory approval will be a hurdle, given the size of the transaction and the international nature of the consortium. Industry observers will also be watching how EA navigates issues like workforce management, game development timelines, and competition from other tech giants.

Yet, for many, this moment feels like a new chapter. The convergence of finance, technology, and entertainment embodied in the EA deal is emblematic of broader shifts in the global economy. As gaming becomes ever more central to culture and commerce, the stakes have never been higher.

For Jared Kushner, Affinity Partners, and their Saudi and Silver Lake partners, the buyout is more than just a business transaction—it’s a bet on the future of interactive entertainment and the power of iconic IP to shape generations. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how well EA and its backers can harness creativity, technology, and global reach in the years ahead.

Analysis: The $55 billion EA buyout, powered by the Saudi PIF, Silver Lake, and Kushner’s Affinity Partners, marks a turning point for the gaming industry—one where financial muscle meets creative ambition. As the boundaries between technology, entertainment, and global investment blur, EA’s next chapter will test whether private ownership can truly unlock innovation and sustain its legacy amid fierce competition and rapid change.