Electronic Arts, known for “Battlefield” and “FC”, is in advanced talks to go private at a $50 billion valuation. A deal involving Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s PIF, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners could be unveiled soon. EA hopes on “Battlefield 6” and “FC 26” for success. Shares surged 15%.

The potential deal to take EA private would be the largest leveraged buyout in history, amid industry consolidation. Analysts see EA as an attractive acquisition target due to consistent cash flows and predictable revenue. Large-cap M&A is rebounding in 2025, with U.S. megadeals leading the charge.

Saudi Arabia’s PIF, through its gaming arm Savvy Games Group, has made significant investments in videogame firms to diversify its economy and increase global influence. PIF’s interest in EA is driven by its recognizable sports portfolio, especially the “FC” franchise, which has strong worldwide appeal and revenue potential.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also heavily invested in esports and competitive gaming, aiming to establish itself as a key player in the global gaming industry. Saudi Arabia’s PIF sees gaming as a critical asset for cultural infrastructure and global influence, similar to sports or film. EA is a partner in an upcoming nation-focused esports tournament.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Videogame maker EA in advanced talks to go private at roughly $50 billion valuation