Baptist Health Sports Medicine named exclusive provider for UFL’s Louisville Kings
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 23, 2026) – Baptist Health Sports Medicine has been named the exclusive provider of sports medicine services for the United Football League’s Louisville Kings.
“When we heard the UFL was coming to our city, we were very excited to see if we could play a role. We are thrilled that Baptist Health will be the exclusive sports medicine provider and health care partner for the Kings this upcoming season,” said Jonathan Velez, MD, President of Baptist Health Louisville.
Built on innovation, accessibility, and competitive excellence, the UFL delivers the most engaging professional football experience in the world—for both players and fans. Besides the Kings and the Stallions, the eight-team league features the Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks.
“Our support for the Louisville Kings is an investment in our community. We are excited to grow this relationship and support the Kings, their fans and the community,” Velez said.
The Baptist Health Sports Medicine team providing on-field coverage for the Kings at Lynn Family Stadium are orthopedic specialists Ryan B. Eads, MD, Scott Kuiper, MD and Ty Richardson, MD along with sports medicine physicians Mark A. Puckett, MD and Michael Hughes, DO.
The sideline ER physicians are Ryan J. Smith, MD and Joseph Ritchie, MD and Athletic Trainer Certified (ATC) trainers Chris Mudd and Sam Klein.
“As the Kings embark on establishing a new winning tradition in Louisville, they are dedicated to teaming up with an organization like Baptist Health Sports Medicine, which is woven into the fabric of the community,” said Steve Macy, VP Partnerships. “Baptist Health Sports Medicine has an outstanding reputation for world class sports medicine services, making it the perfect partner for the Kings.”
Baptist Health’s athletic training team supports nearly 30 schools throughout Kentucky and Indiana as well as providing coverage for major regional and national sporting events.