Just a few weeks back, we at Sportynomics, drafted a piece on how Saudi Arabia is investing heavily across sports and positioning itself as the new sporting giant. Although, the article was majorly about investments in football, golf, potentially cricket and also hosting F1 events and the Football World Cup in future, we touched on its investment in eSports. Well, since then a lot has changed in the landscape of arguably one of the fastest growing industries.

 In what could be one of the most transformative deals in gaming and global sports entertainment, Electronic Arts (EA) has agreed to a $55 billion acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The deal, announced in late September 2025, will take EA private at $210 per share, representing a 25 percent premium on its previous market valuation. It marks one of the largest leveraged buyouts in the history of the gaming industry and underscores the growing financial clout of sovereign and private equity investors in digital entertainment.

 The consortium’s investment signals more than just a change in EA’s ownership—it is a strategic bet on the future of eSports and interactive entertainment. EA’s portfolio, which includes blockbusters such as EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), Madden NFL, F1, and Apex Legends, sits at the heart of the global eSports ecosystem. Backed by deep capital and a long-term investment horizon, the new ownership is expected to accelerate EA’s push into global tournaments, live streaming, and cross-media experiences.

 Under private ownership, EA will have greater flexibility to invest aggressively in infrastructure, competitive leagues, and digital broadcast production without the quarterly scrutiny of public markets. This could lead to the creation of year-round, globally structured competitions, with flagship events in football, motorsport, and shooter categories. Moreover, with Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for gaming and eSports—bolstered by its Savvy Games Group, ESL FACEIT Group, and the annual Gamers8 Festival—there is clear synergy. The Middle East could emerge as a central destination for high-profile EA eSports championships, backed by world-class venues and streaming capabilities.

Beyond gaming, the deal also enhances Saudi Arabia’s image as a serious and strategic investor in global sports. Over the past five years, the Kingdom has spent billions expanding its sports footprint—acquiring English Premier League club Newcastle United, funding the LIV Golf series, backing boxing mega-events, and investing heavily in football leagues through PIF-owned clubs. Now, with EA under partial Saudi control, the country’s influence extends into digital sports, the fastest-growing segment of the global sports economy.

 For Saudi Arabia, this acquisition aligns neatly with its Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and position the nation as a leader in entertainment and technology. It reflects a broader rebranding strategy: shifting the global perception from being a passive investor to an active player shaping the future of sports, both physical and digital.

 In conclusion, the $55 billion EA Sports acquisition is more than a blockbuster financial transaction—it is a strategic turning point. It unites massive capital, iconic gaming IPs, and an emerging global sports power under one vision. If executed effectively, it could redefine the eSports landscape, empower new markets across Asia and the Middle East, and solidify Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a global force in the business of sport and entertainment.