In a move that’s sending shockwaves through both the gaming and financial worlds, Jared Kushner—former White House adviser and son-in-law to Donald Trump—has teamed up with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to take video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) private in a staggering $55 billion buyout. This deal, the largest leveraged buyout in gaming history, is putting Kushner’s business acumen and international connections under the spotlight like never before.
The Biggest Gaming Buyout Ever
Electronic Arts, the powerhouse behind iconic franchises like
The Sims,
Plants vs. Zombies, and
EA Sports titles, will be acquired at
$210 per share. The deal is being led by Kushner’s Miami-based private equity firm,
Affinity Partners, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s PIF and investment firm Silver Lake.
This acquisition marks a dramatic shift for EA, which has long been a publicly traded company and a staple of the global gaming industry. The $55 billion price tag not only dwarfs previous gaming deals but also signals the growing influence of Middle Eastern capital in American tech and entertainment sectors.
Kushner’s Saudi Ties Under Scrutiny
Kushner’s role in the deal is drawing intense scrutiny, given his history as a senior adviser in the Trump administration and his close ties to Saudi Arabia. Affinity Partners, founded by Kushner in 2021, has raised billions from Middle Eastern backers, including the Saudi and Qatari sovereign wealth funds. Critics have long questioned the ethics and optics of these relationships, especially as Kushner’s net worth has soared since his White House tenure.
Despite the controversy, Kushner is publicly enthusiastic about the acquisition.
“Electronic Arts is an extraordinary company with a world-class management team and a bold vision for the future. 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,” Kushner said in a statement.
What’s Next for EA and the Gaming Industry?
Industry insiders are buzzing about what this buyout could mean for EA’s future. With deep-pocketed Saudi backing and Kushner’s investment firm at the helm, EA could see major expansions, new investments in technology, or even shifts in its creative direction. However, some analysts warn that increased foreign ownership of American entertainment companies could raise regulatory and political concerns, especially in an election year.
For gamers, the big question is how this deal will impact the games they love. Will EA double down on blockbuster franchises, or take risks on new IPs? Will there be changes to how games are developed, monetized, or distributed? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the gaming landscape just changed in a big way.
The Broader Context: Kushner’s Post-White House Moves
Since leaving the White House, Kushner has focused on building Affinity Partners and leveraging his international connections. The firm’s rapid growth—fueled by billions from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds—has made Kushner a major player in global finance, even as questions about conflicts of interest and transparency persist.
This EA deal is the most high-profile move yet, cementing Kushner’s status as a power broker at the intersection of politics, business, and entertainment.
Key Takeaways
-
Jared Kushner and Saudi Arabia’s PIF are taking EA private in a $55 billion deal—the largest in gaming history.- The buyout puts Kushner’s business ties and post-White House career under renewed scrutiny.
- Industry experts are watching closely to see how the deal will reshape EA and the broader gaming landscape.
Sources
1. Jared Kushner and Saudis take EA Games private in a massive deal ...
2. Jared Kushner - Wikipedia
3. Jared Kushner news - Today's latest updates
4. Jared Kushner - Click2Houston
5. What to know about the Electronic Arts buy out and the role of ...
6. EA Announces Agreement to be Acquired by PIF, Silver Lake, and ...
