
EA Sports FC is owned by Electronic Arts, the privately held American video game company headquartered in Redwood City, California. The franchise launched in 2023 as the rebranded successor to FIFA, the best-selling sports game series in history, after EA ended its 30-year FIFA licensing partnership. It remains the top-selling sports game franchise globally. EA was taken private in August 2026 in a $55 billion consortium deal.
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| EA Sports FC | Electronic Arts | Wholly owned |
The franchise began as FIFA International Soccer in 1993, EA's licensed soccer game that grew through the 1990s and 2000s into the best-selling sports game series in history. The FIFA name became synonymous with soccer gaming, its annual releases a fixture of the global sports calendar.
In 2022, EA ended its licensing partnership with FIFA, the governing body, over the escalating cost of the license. The decision was a calculated risk: EA retained the critical licenses that actually matter, the leagues, clubs, and player likenesses through FIFPro and individual federation deals, while dropping the FIFA name itself.
The rebranded franchise launched as EA Sports FC 24 in September 2023. The transition proved commercially seamless: the game kept the licenses, gameplay, and Ultimate Team mode that drove the series' economics, and EA Sports FC continued as the world's best-selling sports game. Subsequent releases, FC 25 and FC 26, have maintained the franchise's dominance under private ownership since August 2026.
Who owns Electronic Arts?
Electronic Arts is owned by a consortium of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The $55 billion acquisition was completed on August 4, 2026. PIF owns approximately 93.4% of the company. Former EA stockholders received $210 in cash per share. Andrew Wilson continues as Chairman and CEO.
Is Electronic Arts publicly traded?
No. Electronic Arts ceased trading on NASDAQ following the completion of its acquisition on August 4, 2026. The company was previously listed under the ticker EA from its IPO in 1989 until the acquisition closed. EA is now a privately held company and is no longer required to report quarterly financial results publicly.
Who is the CEO of Electronic Arts?
Andrew Wilson serves as Chairman and CEO of Electronic Arts, a position he has held since 2013. Wilson previously served as head of EA Sports. He is partnering with Cam Weber as President and Chief Studios Officer and David Tinson as President and Chief Operating Officer to lead the company through its transition to private ownership.
When was Electronic Arts founded?
Electronic Arts was founded in May 1982 by Trip Hawkins in San Mateo, California. Hawkins had previously worked at Apple Computer and founded EA with the vision of treating game developers as artists. The company went public on NASDAQ in 1989 and was taken private in August 2026 through the $55 billion acquisition.
What is Electronic Arts' annual revenue?
Electronic Arts reported FY2026 (ended March 31, 2026) net revenue of $7.53 billion, up 1% year-over-year, and record net bookings of $8.03 billion, up 9% year-over-year. Net income was $887 million with diluted EPS of $3.51. Operating cash flow was $2.55 billion, up 23% year-over-year. As a private company, EA will no longer be required to report quarterly financial results.
What brands does Electronic Arts own?
EA owns major gaming franchises including EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), Madden NFL, College Football, The Sims, Apex Legends, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Star Wars Jedi, Dragon Age, Mass Effect, EA Sports F1, Titanfall, and Plants vs. Zombies. The company also owns development studios including DICE, Respawn Entertainment, Maxis, and BioWare.
What happened to Electronic Arts in 2026?
On August 4, 2026, Electronic Arts completed its acquisition by a consortium of PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners for $55 billion, making it the largest leveraged buyout in history. The company became privately held and was delisted from NASDAQ. Andrew Wilson continues as Chairman and CEO. The acquisition was announced on September 29, 2025 and approved by stockholders on December 22, 2025.
What controversies has Electronic Arts faced?
EA has faced criticism for loot box and microtransaction mechanics in its sports games, with some countries classifying certain mechanics as gambling. The $55 billion acquisition by PIF drew scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia's growing influence in gaming and sports, and the involvement of Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners. Despite Battlefield 6's record-breaking launch, layoffs followed for development teams, drawing criticism. EA has also faced lawsuits over sports licensing exclusivity agreements.
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ea | USA | 1991 | Premium | Global | All Genders | |
| Public Investment Fund | Saudi Arabia | 1957 | Premium | Asia pacific | All-ages | |
| Kroenke Sports Entertainment | United Kingdom | 1886 | Mass market | Global | Unisex | |
| Kroenke Sports Entertainment | United Kingdom | 1987 | Mass market | United kingdom | Womens | |
| Crystal Palace Fc | United Kingdom | 1905 | Mass market | Global | All Genders | |
| Fc Barcelona Company | Spain | 1899 | Premium | Global | All-ages |
Media EntertainmentOwned by Electronic Arts
EA Sports is Electronic Arts' sports gaming label, publisher of EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, and other sports franchises that anchor the company's live-services business.
SportsOwned by Public Investment Fund (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Arabian professional football club competing in the Saudi Pro League.
SportsOwned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
English professional football club based in London, competing in the Premier League and owned by American billionaire Stan Kroenke through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
SportsOwned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment
English professional women's football club based in London, competing in the Women's Super League and owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
SportsOwned by Crystal Palace Football Club
English professional football club operated by CPFC Limited. Woody Johnson has been its largest shareholder, with a 43% stake, since 2025.
SportsOwned by FC Barcelona Club de Futbol
Spanish professional football club founded in 1899, member-owned and based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Market Positioning: EA Sports FC competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
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Media EntertainmentOwned by Ubisoft Entertainment SA
French video game publisher behind Assassins Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, publicly listed on Euronext Paris and controlled by the Guillemot family.
Ubisoft operates independently without a large parent corporation.
Media EntertainmentOwned by Microsoft Corporation
Video game franchise specializing in first-person shooter games, owned by Microsoft through Activision.
Call of Duty is owned by Microsoft Corporation, a public company, a different structure than EA Sports FC's parent.
Media EntertainmentOwned by Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.
Video game franchise owned by Rockstar Games, known for open-world action games with crime and urban themes.
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is owned by Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., a public company, a different structure than EA Sports FC's parent.
Media EntertainmentOwned by Warner Music Group
American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen, now a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, known for its 1970s folk-rock roster including the Eagles, Joni Mitchell, and Jackson Browne.
Asylum Records is owned by Warner Music Group, a public company, a different structure than EA Sports FC's parent.
Media EntertainmentOwned by Warner Music Group
American record label owned by Warner Music Group, founded in 1947, known for rhythm and blues, rock, and hip-hop artists.
Atlantic Records is owned by Warner Music Group, a public company, a different structure than EA Sports FC's parent.
Media EntertainmentOwned by Universal Music Group
American record label umbrella founded in 1942, owned by Universal Music Group, housing Capitol Records and affiliated labels.
Capitol Music Group is owned by Universal Music Group, a public company, a different structure than EA Sports FC's parent.
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