'We Didn't Want to Sit Idle': A Rush to Meet Pro Sports' Testing Needs

A handful of companies and labs quickly overhauled themselves to fulfill the sudden demand for coronavirus testing from the major American pro leagues. In early March, as the coronavirus was spreading across the United States and testing capacity was already a problem, Bill Phillips had an idea.

As the major professional sports leagues looked to reopen and salvage what they can of their seasons, they were presented with large-scale testing needs. Many of these leagues, including the MLB, MLS, and NHL, among others, turned to at-home saliva testing kits. What made these salvia based kits so appealing to the major league sports organizations is that the tests could be performed almost anywhere, without the need for personal protective equipment. Additionally, these tests are much less painful and more convenient for the players who will perform these tests multiple times a week. This high demand for testing has provided considerable business opportunities for labs around the country, who are competing to land these large scale deals moving forward.