The Wall Street Journal reports that Electronic Arts (EA) is nearing an agreement to transition to private ownership, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and investment group Silver Lake leading a $50 billion acquisition. The WSJ describes this potential transaction as “the biggest leveraged buyout in history,” should it finalize.

Specifics remain scarce, and outcomes are uncertain. Previous high-profile agreements involving Saudi investors in gaming have stalled unexpectedly, often due to undisclosed complications. This isn’t EA’s first exploration of ownership changes; Disney reportedly evaluated a purchase in 2023 but ultimately backed away, partly over executive reservations about strategic alignment.

If finalized, privatization could reshape EA’s trajectory as a gaming powerhouse. Following the WSJ’s coverage, EA’s stock value reportedly climbed 15%, signaling market optimism around the potential shift away from public trading.