Nicole Craig

Managing Member at Mayweather Boxing + Fitness- Spring Valley

“Thank you so much, Nicole Craig, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your path from a background in Accounting and Business Management to becoming a franchise owner and entrepreneur in the sports and fitness space is incredibly inspiring.

Your leadership at Mayweather Promotions and now at Mayweather Boxing + Fitness shows how focus, hard work, and strategic thinking can create real impact—even in a male-dominated industry. It’s clear you’ve built something meaningful that fosters community, inclusion, and connection.Your advice about setting boundaries, staying organized, and maintaining perspective is invaluable for anyone juggling career and personal life. And your encouragement to young women—to show up, stay ready, and build strong networks—will no doubt inspire the next generation.

Thank you again for your time, leadership, and for showing that with confidence and consistency, women can thrive in any arena.” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role and responsibilities at that position?

As the business owner and operator, I’m responsible for the day-to-day business operations, implementation of a plan that can be executed by all team members in an effort to maximize the potential for success. Continue to build upon the foundation of having an inclusive space where all members and guests feel welcome and a part of our community.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I studied Accounting and Business Management in my undergrad. I also obtained my MBA after starting my career. My educational background helped open doors and create opportunities where I gained experience. I didn’t start out on a path knowing that I wanted to work in the sports & entertainment industry and eventually become an entrepreneur (owning a franchise and consulting company).

I feel that my business degrees and experience were critical in me having the opportunity to work for Mayweather Promotions and eventually become the VP of Marketing & Operations for the company. Keep in mind that there’s a role in the sports industry for many types of degrees.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

Key career milestones:

• Having the opportunity to work alongside people that truly understood the business behind sports and entertainment helped me learn a lot in a short window of time.

• Pioneering an event that took place during Floyd Mayweather’s career peak years where women across a variety of sports as well as entertainment were celebrated. This was an intricate piece to growing my own network organically.

• Working for Mayweather Promotions and playing a key role in the promotions of some of the highest grossing boxing Pay-Per-View events

• Being able to diversify and start my own consulting business that specializes in marketing and business development.

• Being able to buy into the Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Franchise and own my own location in Las Vegas.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, and how have you overcome them?

Working in a male dominated sport has and still is challenging within itself. I overcame most challenges by staying focused on the task and getting the job done to the best of my ability every time. I never let the “noise” distract me.

Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work -life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Strategies that have worked well for me:I set boundaries and prioritize accordingly. Finding time for myself and your family is a must.Staying as organized as possible and putting everything on my calendar. Knowing that it’s okay to shutdown and rest/reset/switch the focus to something besides work.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

I believe that mentorship is very important in any industry. Having someone with experience that can help guide you through your career is invaluable. Yes, I’ve had mentors (both women and men). Having mentors at different stages of my career allowed me to grow with confidence and support.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

I feel that the gap has been closed some but there’s still a long way to go. Women should keep showing up and blazing trails to the point that we can’t be overlooked or ignored and we need to do this unapologetically.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging?

I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many people and build relationships and the ability to think outside the box and be creative. Challenges came with transitioning from working for solely Mayweather Promotions to becoming an entrepreneur and starting my own businesses. Having your own business is a different hustle.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Go for it! Try to experience as many internship positions as possible. Meet as many people as possible to build your network. Remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression so make the most of it.

You might come across the same people in different stages of your career, you want them to have a positive impression of you. Lastly, there aren’t many degrees of separation of people working in a given industry, so don’t allow too many doors to be closed on you.

Any fun facts or interesting things you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, pet peeves, etc.?

My favorite food is: French fries

Favorite candy is: a tie between Skittles and Snickers

Hobbies: traveling, playing match 3D games on myphone, meeting up with friends @ different restaurants, binge watching series on streaming apps

Number of kids: 3

Pet peeves: disorganization, bad communication, lying.