Two U.S. Senators have issued a formal warning over Electronic Arts’ recent $55 billion buyout, calling it a potential national security threat due to foreign investment ties. The record-breaking deal has stirred significant debate across the gaming industry, especially following confirmation that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will hold a major stake.
EA’s $55 Billion Buyout Raises Global Concerns
In late September 2025, EA confirmed plans to go private in what is now the largest leveraged buyout in history — not only for gaming but across all industries. If approved, EA will become fully owned by a consortium of private investors, including Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and Saudi Arabia’s PIF.
While the PIF has previously invested heavily in companies like Nintendo and Embracer Group, its role as a majority stakeholder in EA has triggered immediate scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers and regulatory agencies.
Senators Cite Foreign Influence and Security Threats
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren addressed their concerns directly to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a detailed letter, expressing “profound concern about the foreign influence and national security risks” posed by the acquisition.
Their statement emphasized that the Saudi-backed fund’s majority control could grant it undue influence over one of the world’s most prominent video game publishers. They also pointed to EA’s recent market instability — including a $6 billion loss in stock value earlier this year — suggesting that the acquisition may serve political or ideological interests rather than financial ones.
Data Privacy and Player Information at the Forefront
Beyond national security concerns, the Senators’ letter also raised alarms about data privacy. With EA’s massive player base spanning millions of gamers worldwide, the fear is that foreign ownership could enable unauthorized access to sensitive user data.
This concern mirrors growing tensions within the gaming community about how player data is handled. Earlier this year, Borderlands faced backlash for EULA updates some users described as invasive, reigniting debate over digital privacy in gaming.
What Happens Next for EA’s Future
It’s unclear whether this Senate intervention will sway regulators or delay the approval process. However, it adds another layer of complexity to a deal that’s already under close international observation.
This isn’t the first time the Saudi government’s investments have sparked controversy within gaming. In 2022, several Twitch streamers faced backlash for participating in Saudi-sponsored events, while the PIF has steadily expanded its influence through multi-billion-dollar investments across major gaming companies.
If completed, the EA acquisition would mark the PIF’s largest stake in an American gaming company — cementing its growing footprint in the global entertainment sector and potentially redefining how geopolitical influence plays out in the industry.
