Vinyl record sales in the US

Average NFL salaries and American vinyl-record sales, both climbing. Two completely unrelated forms of premium American spending: one on the field, one on the turntable, sharing the same nineteen-year ascent.

Average NFL salaries grew from about 1.4 million dollars in 2005 to over 3 million by 2023 as the salary cap rose and broadcast-rights revenue compounded. US vinyl sales grew from about 1 million units in 2005 to over 41 million by 2023 as the format went from niche revival to outselling CDs. Two completely unrelated growth stories sharing a window because the same nineteen years rewarded both elite-sports compensation and a particular physical-music format. Different premiums, same era.

Two American premiums grew together. The athlete's contract and the record collector's spend, both up.