Full Breakdown
EA Posts Record FY26 Fueled by Battlefield 6 Amid Saudi-Backed Take-Private Deal and Layoffs
5/6/2026, 10:32:56 PM
Record FY26 Performance Fueled by Battlefield 6
Electronic Arts reported preliminary FY26 results (ended 31 March 2026), posting net bookings of $8 billion (up 9 % YoY) and net revenue of $7.5 billion (up 1 %). The company credited the launch of Battlefield 6 and growth in live-service titles such as Apex Legends and its Global Football portfolio for the record performance.
Financial Highlights
Net income fell 20.9 % for the year, while Q4 net income rose 81.5 %. Apex Legends delivered its strongest quarterly net bookings and posted double-digit YoY growth. The Global Football segment posted mid-single-digit growth. Shareholders approved a $55 billion take-private deal that would give the Public Investment Fund (PIF) about 93.4 % ownership, with closing expected in FY 2027 Q1.
Official Statements & Responses
CEO Andrew Wilson said disciplined execution and talent across development teams drove the record FY26, with Battlefield 6 as the growth engine. He noted the recent debt-refinancing attracted strong investor interest and that EA is maintaining constructive dialogue with regulators as it prepares to finalize the PIF acquisition.
Criticism & Opposition
Labor union CWA Canada and several U.S. congress members have voiced concerns about the pending take-private transaction, citing foreign ownership, potential job impacts, and regulatory scrutiny.
Layoffs and Organizational Changes
In March 2026 EA announced layoffs affecting an undisclosed number of staff across four studios that contributed to Battlefield 6, describing the cuts as “select changes” to better align resources with community expectations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The precise number of Battlefield-related layoffs and exact Apex Legends net-booking figures were not disclosed, limiting full assessment of the financial impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Driven by our talented teams and disciplined execution, we delivered a record FY26, highlighted by the incredibly successful launch of our iconic Battlefield franchise,” — Andrew Wilson, CEO, Electronic Arts
- “With the recent completion of a debt process that was met with strong investor demand and our ongoing constructive engagement with regulators, we look ahead to closing the transaction and the opportunities it will unlock.” — Andrew Wilson, CEO, Electronic Arts
- “Thanks to our talented teams and precise execution, we realized a record fiscal year 2026, crowned by the triumphant debut of our renowned Battlefield series.” — Andrew Wilson, CEO, Electronic Arts
- “We have completed a recent debt process with strong investor interest, and with ongoing positive dialogues with regulators, we are poised to finalize the transaction and explore the opportunities it presents.” — Andrew Wilson, CEO, Electronic Arts
What’s Next
The PIF acquisition is slated to close in FY 2027 Q1, pending regulatory approval. Upon completion, the Public Investment Fund will hold over 93.4 % of EA, converting the company into a privately held entity.
