A Canadian union has called on the federal government and competition authorities to review the proposed acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and a private equity firm linked to Jared Kushner. The Communications Workers of America Canada (CWA Canada) warns that this deal could jeopardize national security and threaten employment within Canada’s growing video game sector.
EA, a major player in the global gaming industry, has maintained a significant Canadian presence since acquiring Burnaby-based Distinctive Software in the early 1990s. The company currently operates five offices across Canada, contributing to popular titles like EA Sports FC and hockey games. These operations form a vital part of Canada’s $5.1 billion video game market, which has faced recent turbulence as competitors such as Ubisoft and Activision Blizzard have undergone layoffs and ownership changes.
CWA Canada’s leadership expressed concern that the consortium’s acquisition could diminish industry competition and risk job security for Canadian workers. While none of EA’s Canadian employees are union members, the union represents hundreds of workers in the sector nationwide and collaborates with its U.S. counterpart, representing thousands more. The union fears that a large player like EA, under new ownership, might consolidate control, reduce competition, and restructure the industry to the detriment of employees and innovators alike.
EA generated about US$7.5 billion in revenue last year, boasting a portfolio that includes major franchises such as “Madden NFL,” “The Sims,” and “EA Sports FC.” The company has not publicly addressed the union’s concerns but previously assured employees that the transaction would not trigger immediate job changes. Meanwhile, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Affinity Partners—owned by Kushner—and Silver Lake, the private equity firms involved, have not commented on the sale.
The $55 billion acquisition was announced last year with approval from EA’s board but still requires shareholder and regulatory consent. The transaction is slated to close by the end of EA’s fiscal first quarter 2027, around late June. Given the stakes for the North American video game industry, CWA Canada aims to leverage the remaining time before closure to press for a federal review that addresses potential risks linked to security and economic impacts.