US Senators Question EA’s $55 Billion Buyout Over Rising National Security Concerns

💼 US Senators Raise Concerns Over EA’s $55 Billion Buyout, Citing Security Risks

The gaming industry is buzzing once again — and not just because of a major release. Two U.S. Senators have stepped into the spotlight to question the legitimacy and implications of Electronic Arts’ (EA) historic $55 billion buyout deal. Their concern? That the acquisition could pose a potential national security threat due to the involvement of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Electronic Arts, best known for massive franchises like FIFA, Battlefield, and The Sims, confirmed in late September 2025 that it would be taken private in what is now recognized as the largest leveraged buyout in history — not only for gaming but across all sectors. The agreement involves an investor group led by Silver Lake, Affinity Partners, and Saudi Arabia’s PIF.

While private equity firms investing in gaming isn’t unusual, the PIF’s participation immediately triggered scrutiny among U.S. lawmakers and analysts. Critics argue that allowing a foreign sovereign fund — particularly one tied to a government with complex geopolitical relationships — to own a major American entertainment company could have unintended consequences.

🇺🇸 Senators Warn Treasury of “Foreign Influence” Risks

Senators Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren recently addressed a formal letter to Scott Bessent, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, expressing what they described as “profound concern” over the deal’s implications. The letter argues that foreign control over a company like EA could be leveraged to influence public opinion through its vast global audience and data access.

The senators emphasized that EA’s valuation and recent financial performance don’t fully justify such a massive investment — a sign that the buyout could be motivated by influence rather than profit. In January 2025, EA reportedly lost around $6 billion in stock value, further raising questions about the timing and intent behind the acquisition.

🔐 Data Privacy and Player Security in Question

Another major concern raised in the letter involves data privacy. EA’s player base spans hundreds of millions of users worldwide, and with its extensive online infrastructure — including EA Play and cross-platform titles — there are fears that foreign ownership could open the door to unauthorized access or data exploitation.

These worries aren’t unfounded. Earlier in 2025, gamers reacted harshly to updated data collection policies in titles like Borderlands, sparking a debate about player surveillance and privacy. The senators warn that similar issues could escalate if a foreign government-linked entity gains control over EA’s networks and analytics systems.

🏢 Not Saudi Arabia’s First Foray Into Gaming

This isn’t the first time Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has ventured into the gaming space. The PIF already holds significant stakes in companies such as Nintendo, Capcom, and Take-Two Interactive. However, the EA acquisition marks its largest and most direct investment in a Western video game publisher to date — intensifying concerns in Washington about foreign influence in digital entertainment.

The controversy also follows earlier criticism surrounding Saudi-sponsored Twitch events in 2022, which drew backlash from both creators and fans. Despite the public scrutiny, the PIF has continued to expand aggressively across the gaming sector, positioning itself as a dominant investor in the global market.

🔍 The Road Ahead for EA’s Buyout

At this stage, it’s unclear whether the senators’ objections will influence the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which oversees deals with potential national security implications. If the Treasury takes their concerns seriously, the approval process could slow dramatically — or even face new restrictions.

For now, EA remains confident that the buyout will proceed as planned, emphasizing that the deal will allow the company to focus on creative independence and long-term innovation without the constant pressure of public market demands.

However, with political and national security issues now in the mix, the path to privatization might prove more complex than EA’s executives anticipated.

⚖️ Final Thoughts

The EA buyout is shaping up to be one of the most controversial deals in the history of gaming. While some view it as a strategic move to strengthen the company’s future, others see it as a risk to national security and digital privacy. As the debate heats up in Washington, gamers and investors alike are left wondering: will this record-breaking deal reshape the industry — or unravel before it even closes?