Sources say Kushner often played games with the Saudi Crown Prince and later brought him in contact with EA CEO

Abstract:

It is reported that Jared Kushner introduced Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to EA CEO Andrew Wilson. The two met later in Saudi Arabia's New Future City, and the matter later developed into a $55 billion EA acquisition deal.

The New Yorker disclosed in a profile introducing Kushner’s diplomatic activities that Kushner usually plays video games with Mohammed bin Salman. In August 2026, Kushner brought the crown prince into contact with Wilson, and the two later met at the New Future City on the Red Sea coast and played a round of golf.

An American person with ties to Middle Eastern leaders said it was Kushner who brought the deal to Mohammed bin Salman. Soon after, the crown prince formed a consortium including Kushner's Affinity to acquire EA for $55 billion. Related news called it the largest leveraged buyout in history.

The deal also raises potential regulatory concerns, including the issue that EA has a large amount of private user data. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which reviews such transactions, is made up of multiple federal agencies and the U.S. president has the final say on the outcome of the review.

According to the timeline disclosed in the character's feature, the EA acquisition transaction was approved in August 2026. However, the available information does not specify what games Kushner and Mohammed bin Salman play.