Mary Pilon

Mary Pilon (born 16 May 1986 in Eugene, Oregon) is an American journalist, author, and documentary filmmaker celebrated for her investigative storytelling at the intersection of sports and business. As a former staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, she covered major financial and sports stories, including Fortune 500 asset management firms and the 2008 financial crisis. She is the author of the bestselling books The Monopolists and The Kevin Show and co-wrote The Longest Race with Olympian Kara Goucher Wall Street Journal+15+15What Should I Read Next?+15. Her reporting has earned prestigious awards and her films include work on HBO's BS High and a forthcoming pickleball documentary Goodreads+2Mary Pilon+2+2.

Pilon’s writing is marked by deep curiosity about history, power, and culture. The Monopolists explores the feminist origins of Monopoly and the legal battles behind the game, while The Kevin Show examines mental illness through the compelling story of Olympic sailor Kevin Hall. The Longest Race reveals the dark side of elite running, exposing abuse and doping within Nike’s program with sharp moral clarity +6+6Goodreads+6. She also served as story editor on HBO’s BS High and investigated themes ranging from youth fitness to sports fandom in outlets like The New Yorker and Bloomberg Businessweek +3Mary Pilon+3+3.

From her essays and interviews, Pilon shares strikingly candid and reflective quotes. For instance: “Competitive capitalism is the best economic system in the world, but it is constantly being undermined by greedy monopolists.” She also observes: “In a family or other small group, altruism prevails, but the farther away a person gets from an individual, the less altruistic he or she behaves toward them.” Another thought-provoking insight: “Using a typewriter, at times, feels more like playing piano than jotting down notes, a percussive exercise in expressing thought that is both tortuous and rewarding.” BrainyQuote+3QuoteFancy+3Goodreads+3 These reflections highlight her thoughtful attention to systems, storytelling, and the craft of reporting.

Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into her books, investigative films, or specific articles!