Two of Chicago’s homegrown heavyweights are joining forces. Paylocity, a leading provider of cloud-based HR, finance, and IT software, has inked a multi-year sponsorship with the Chicago Bulls, becoming the team’s official HCM (Human Capital Management) Software Partner.
The deal isn’t just about slapping a logo on the court. Paylocity will run the Bulls’ HR and payroll operations with its unified cloud platform—automating back-office processes, simplifying payroll, and giving employees a more streamlined workplace experience. For an NBA franchise with a large, complex workforce that spans players, coaches, and behind-the-scenes staff, that’s no small task.
“Allison Windon, Paylocity’s VP of Marketing, Revenue Growth & Operations, said the partnership is about combining strengths to drive excellence both on and off the court. Translation: the Bulls get smoother HR ops, and Paylocity gets brand visibility tied to one of basketball’s most iconic franchises.”
Tech Meets Community Impact
But the Bulls-Paylocity collaboration extends well beyond business operations. As presenting partner of the Bulls’ all-girls youth basketball clinic for players ages 7 to 17, Paylocity is helping expand access to sports and mentorship in Chicago. The program emphasizes skill-building on the court while fostering leadership and growth off of it—a community-minded play that neatly aligns with Paylocity’s people-first branding.
Megan Donovan, VP of Partnership Marketing for the Bulls, framed it as more than a sponsorship: “Together, we are creating opportunities for connection, inspiration, and growth… This partnership reflects our shared belief that investing in people is the key to building something truly special.”
Why It Matters
The HR tech sector has become a fiercely competitive arena, with Workday, ADP, and UKG all vying for enterprise visibility. Partnerships with major sports franchises are increasingly a way for cloud platforms to stand out. Just last year, ADP extended its ties with the New York Yankees, and Salesforce has had long-running sports alliances to showcase its cloud muscle.
For Paylocity, tying its brand to the Bulls gives it both local credibility and national exposure. The Bulls get a reliable partner to modernize their HR stack. And Chicago gets a collaboration that supports youth development—a neat triangle of tech, sports, and civic pride.
Join thousands of HR leaders who rely on HRTechEdge for the latest in workforce technology, AI-driven HR solutions, and strategic insights
