When the situation stabilizes regarding the $55 billion leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts (EA), Saudi Arabia will rise as the leading stakeholder, holding an impressive 93 percent of the firm. Although a group of investors, including Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, participated, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia will primarily steer this pivotal transaction.

Typically, sovereign wealth funds like the PIF play a less significant role in buyouts spearheaded by private equity firms. However, in this instance, the dynamics are distinctly inverted. The consequences of this shift are profound, raising doubts about Saudi Arabia’s capability in overseeing one of the largest video game publishers in the U.S. The interests of other investors are minor, with Silver Lake and Affinity retaining 5.5 percent and 1.1 percent stakes, respectively. Given their pre-existing ties to Saudi investment funds, their involvement seems more aimed at easing the foreign acquisition than providing noteworthy support.

According to The Financial Times, Kushner was instrumental in brokering the agreement between Saudi Arabia and EA, although the exact timing lacks verification in SEC documents. This discussion follows a recent meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and President Trump concerning various trade deals, during which concerns about the Prince’s contentious actions, including his suspected role in the killing of a Washington Post journalist, were minimized.

The PIF’s financial health has been questioned as the fund has started withdrawing investments from several U.S. firms amidst increasing economic turbulence in Saudi Arabia. This unstable scenario has made it imperative to secure $20 billion in loans to finance the EA purchase, raising alarms about sustainability and future operational approaches. High-interest debt will require management, potentially resulting in significant budget cuts or asset sales at EA.

EA shareholders are anticipated to vote on the buyout offer shortly, with the aim of finalizing the agreement by mid-2026. While this shift may threaten numerous positions within the company—famous for franchises like Madden, EA Sports FC, The Sims, and Apex Legends—the financial rewards for investment banks involved in the deal remain substantial. Goldman Sachs is set to receive a historic $110 million for its involvement in facilitating the acquisition.

The results of this buyout could profoundly alter the video game industry landscape, as Saudi Arabia tightens its grip on one of its most significant entertainment properties, positioning it in a central role within the global gaming framework.