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Electronic Arts (EA), the company behind Madden NFL, was acquired by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, founded by Jared Kushner. EA announced that the deal closed on August 4, 2026. Madden was not announced as a separate sale; it is one of EA’s franchises.
Who bought EA?
The buyer was a consortium of three investors: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, a Miami-based investment firm founded by Jared Kushner. EA’s announcement described the deal as an acquisition of 100% of the company. EA’s September 2025 announcement named the investors; its August 2026 completion announcement confirmed the closing.
Did Saudi Arabia and Jared Kushner buy Madden?
Not as a standalone game or franchise, according to EA’s transaction announcements. The acquired company was EA, which lists EA SPORTS Madden NFL among its franchises. The distinction matters: a change in the parent company’s ownership does not, by itself, establish a separate sale or transfer of Madden. EA’s company overview describes its games and services business and names Madden NFL as a franchise.
What does the $55 billion figure mean?
EA announced an enterprise value of approximately $55 billion in 2025. That figure describes the announced value of the overall transaction; it is not the amount paid for Madden, nor is it the cash payment each shareholder received. EA said shareholders received $210 in cash per share at closing in 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 game. Experience authentic NFL gameplay with Franchise mode, Superstar Career, and Ultimate Team.
- DYNAMIC FRANCHISE MODE – Persona Engine brings each NFL athlete to life with unique personalities, creating a reactive and evolving league shaped by your decisions.
- AUTHENTIC NFL GAMEPLAY – Realistic WR vs DB battles, improved coverage, and new short-yardage mechanics deliver true on-field physicality and control.
- BUILD YOUR LEGACY – Progress through the Superstar G.O.A.T. Career Journey and customize your roster with Ultimate Team Captains.
| Figure | What it refers to |
|---|---|
| Approximately $55 billion | Enterprise value announced by EA in September 2025 for the company-wide acquisition. |
| $210 per share in cash | Shareholder consideration EA said was paid for each share at closing on August 4, 2026. |
| Approximately $36 billion | Equity investment described in EA’s 2025 announcement, including PIF’s rollover of its existing stake. |
| $20 billion committed; $18 billion expected to be funded at closing | Debt financing committed by JPMorgan Chase Bank, as described in EA’s 2025 announcement. |
These are different measures and should not be added together or treated as interchangeable. Enterprise value is a transaction valuation; per-share cash is what shareholders received. The equity and debt figures describe announced financing components, not separate prices for Madden.
What changed for EA shareholders?
EA said its stockholders received $210 in cash for each share they owned as of the closing. EA common stock ceased trading and was to be delisted from NASDAQ, consistent with the company’s 2025 announcement that its shares would no longer be publicly listed after the acquisition closed.
Rank #2
- Dominate the league in EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26.
- Years of NFL game data powers next-level coaching, QB authenticity, and explosive gameplay.
- Every game is a new challenge on your path to becoming an NFL legend.
In practical terms, the transaction ended public trading in EA common stock. It did not create a publicly traded Madden investment or establish a separate valuation for the franchise.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does EA’s buyout mean Madden games will change?
The deal establishes a change in ownership at EA, but the reviewed transaction announcements do not specify changes to Madden’s management, release schedule, features, pricing, or creative direction. EA CEO Andrew Wilson said at closing that the company would “invest boldly, accelerate innovation, and build the next generation of games and experiences.” That is management’s stated outlook, not a specific commitment about Madden or proof that a particular game will change.
Rank #3
- Standard Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 (cartridge) includes the full EA SPORTS Madden NFL 27 game. Not compatible with Nintendo Switch. Enjoy Franchise mode, Superstar Career, and Ultimate Team.
- DYNAMIC FRANCHISE MODE – Persona Engine brings each NFL athlete to life with unique personalities, creating a reactive and evolving league shaped by your decisions.
- AUTHENTIC NFL GAMEPLAY – Realistic WR vs DB battles, improved coverage, and new short-yardage mechanics deliver true on-field physicality and control.
- BUILD YOUR LEGACY – Progress through the Superstar G.O.A.T. Career Journey and customize your roster with Ultimate Team Captains.
EA reported approximately $7.5 billion in GAAP net revenue for fiscal year 2026. That is company-reported revenue for EA, not a valuation of Madden or the buyout.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BOOM Tech - Hit like you mean it with FieldSENSE powered by BOOM Tech. Experience how a physics-informed dynamic tackling system, reengineered Hit Stick, and Ball Carrier Balance unlock realistic collisions & new gameplay animations on both sides of the ball.
- Physics-Based Tackling - Cut loose and attack the ball with powerful Hit Sticks, Cut Sticks, trucks, dives, and stiff arms with more control and realism than ever.
- Reloaded Hit Stick - Bring power in every phase of the game. The reengineered Hit Stick uses a timing-based mechanic to provide harder-hitting control determined by your angle of impact, stick-skill, and accuracy.
- Ball Carrier Balance - Run the rock with confidence and command. A new Ball Carrier Balance and Recovery System gives you control to absorb a big hit, break the tackle, and recover your balance.
- NFL Immersion - A refreshed Franchise experience and new broadcast teams featuring Mike Tirico, Greg Olsen, Kate Scott and Brock Huard immerse you in NFL action like never before.
Rank #4
- American football simulation game brings all the intensity and realism of NFL players, drafts, and strategies to your console - Game modes include Superstar: The League, Superstar: Showdown, Franchise, Madden Ultimate Team, and Cross-play for endless variation.
- Anatomically accurate player skeletons are more responsive, achieving true-to-life player motion during gameplay - Field SENSE animation technology provides greater control, realism, and immersive Ness when performing complex maneuvers.
- AI enhanced movement makes it easier for your team to execute your gameplan with ball carrier pathfinding and QB and DB awareness.
- Skill-based Passing 2.0 has improved accuracy, DB behavior, and catching for more intuitive throwing and defensive actions.
- Hit Everything 2.0 gives your teammates greater situational awareness, allowing them to push the pile and gain ground to attack the football more effectively.
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