Electronic Arts, the publisher behind blockbuster franchises such as FIFA, Madden NFL, and Battlefield, is reportedly on the brink of one of the largest buyouts in gaming history. Multiple reports suggest that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), working in tandem with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, is finalizing talks for a deal that could value EA at close to $50 billion.

If the acquisition moves forward, it would mark a seismic shift not just for EA but for the wider gaming industry. Taking EA private would reshape how the company operates, lifting it out of the quarterly pressures of Wall Street while also giving its new backers more direct control over strategy and long-term growth.

The PIF has made no secret of its ambitions to turn Saudi Arabia into a global hub for gaming and entertainment. As part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy, the fund has already taken stakes in major publishers, including Nintendo, Capcom, and Activision Blizzard. A full acquisition of EA would be its boldest move yet, handing it control of some of the most reliable and lucrative franchises in gaming.

For Silver Lake, a firm with deep experience in technology investments, the deal would represent another cornerstone in its portfolio. Meanwhile, Affinity Partners, founded by Jared Kushner, would gain a role in one of the most high-profile gaming transactions ever attempted.

Still, questions remain. The transaction, structured as a leveraged buyout, would require significant financing, and regulatory approval is far from guaranteed. U.S. authorities are likely to scrutinize the deal closely, both for its size and for its geopolitical implications. The involvement of Saudi Arabia in such a critical slice of the American entertainment landscape could spark political debate in Washington.

Market watchers are also considering the impact on players and developers. EA has leaned heavily on live-service titles in recent years, generating stable revenue but drawing criticism from fans over microtransactions. Going private could give the company more freedom to experiment, though it could just as easily result in tighter control over monetization strategies.

If the reports hold true, an announcement could arrive as early as next week. Should the deal close, it would not only be one of the biggest take-privates in tech but a turning point in the global games business signalling that the era of sovereign wealth funds and mega-investors shaping entertainment’s future is fully underway.