A Different Kind of Agent
5th Quarter Sports Management was founded on a simple premise: athletes deserve the same caliber of financial expertise that public company shareholders rely on.
The founder
Raymond Merk
Raymond Merk is a Certified Public Accountant and former public company Chief Financial Officer who specializes in optimizing athlete compensation through tax-aware contract structuring and financial strategy. His career has been defined by a commitment to protecting and growing value — first for shareholders, and now for professional athletes.
Through 5th Quarter Sports Management, Raymond brings a financial-first approach to athlete representation. Unlike traditional agents who come from sports backgrounds, his foundation in corporate finance provides a fundamentally different perspective on contract negotiation, career strategy, and long-term wealth preservation.
His approach focuses on contract value optimization, tax-aware structuring, and helping players make informed decisions throughout their careers. Every recommendation is grounded in the same rigorous financial analysis he applied as a public company executive.
Raymond believes that the most critical decisions in an athlete's career happen off the field — in the negotiating room, in financial planning sessions, and in the strategic choices that determine long-term security. That's the 5th quarter.
Professional credentials
Institutional-grade background applied to athlete representation.
NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor
Authorized by the NFL Players Association to represent professional football players in contract negotiations.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Deep expertise in tax strategy, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Advanced training in corporate strategy, finance, and organizational leadership.
Former Public Company CFO
Executive-level experience managing financial operations, capital allocation, and risk for public companies.
The playing field has a clock. Your financial future doesn't. Every decision we make together is designed to create value that lasts well beyond the final whistle.
— Raymond Merk