Electronic Arts reported a massive jump in CEO Andrew Wilson's pay for fiscal year 2026, even as the company cut jobs at key studios. The juxtaposition of executive compensation increases with staff layoffs illustrates the complex financial dynamics within the gaming sector. Readers should note that the payout reflects specific revenue targets met by major titles, despite the simultaneous restructuring.
Wilson's package reflects revenue targets met despite staff cuts
Wilson's total compensation package reached $38,649,984, marking a 27% increase from the previous fiscal year. The breakdown includes a $1.3 million base salary, $28.48 million in stock awards, and a $6.5 million cash bonus. The compensation package links most of the executive's income to the company's stock performance and long-term value creation.
The cash bonus was triggered by a bonus pool funded at 110% of the target level. Non-GAAP net revenue hit $8.026 billion, surpassing the $7.85 billion goal set by the board. EA attributed this success to the launch of Battlefield 6 and the continued strength of EA Sports FC and Apex Legends.
Despite these financial gains, EA executed layoffs across DICE, Criterion Games, Ripple Effect, and Motive Studio on March 9, 2026. The median employee compensation stood at $126,612, making Wilson's pay roughly 305 times that of a typical worker. The difference in pay highlights the significant gap between executive compensation and that of the general workforce.
The company is currently navigating a $55 billion buyout by a consortium including the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. This transaction has already received approval from the European Union. The acquisition marks a major change in the ownership of one of the largest gaming publishers globally.
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