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Original Story (07/08/26): In addition to bringing back the “Space Jam” Air Jordan 11, Jordan Brand is also dropping a special retro of the OG Air Jordan 9 in celebration of Space Jam‘s 30th anniversary.
In 1996, Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes teamed up on the big screen, creating a cultural moment that defined a generation. In the film, MJ wore two different Air Jordan sneakers, the OG Air Jordan 9 in White/Black-True Red, as well as a black-and-royal Air Jordan 11 which we all now know as the “Space Jam” colorway. Now 30 years later, both pairs return in celebration of the film’s enduring legacy and MJ’s timeless impact across generations.
The OG AJ9 goes all the way back to 1993, well before anyone was calling it “Space Jam.” Oftentimes referred to as “Playoffs” or “Chicago,” the colorway is clean, no matter the name: white leather on the upper, black nubuck wrapping the mudguard and collar, and True Red hitting the Jumpman, tongue branding, “23,” and the globe on the heel. Jordan Brand is also said to be dialing in an updated shape that sits closer to the original ’93 silhouette.
This will be the sixth time the shoe has been released. It first retro’d in 2002, then returned in the 2008 Countdown Pack alongside the 14, followed by a standalone retro in 2010 with mixed reviews on the build quality, and then had its biggest moment yet in 2016 when Jordan Brand leaned all the way into the Space Jam anniversary angle. That 2016 release is what locked in the nickname for most people, and now, a decade later, the anniversary is even bigger.
According to zSneakerHeadz, the 2026 Air Jordan 9 OG retro will come with special Space Jam-themed packaging to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary milestone.
The 2026 Air Jordan 9 OG “Space Jam” is slated to drop on September 19th in full family sizing via Nike.com, SNKRS and select retailers. Grab a first look below and stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for more.
Update (09/05/26): Official images of the Air Jordan 9 OG “Space Jam 30th Anniversary” edition have arrived, including a look at the commemorative Tune Squad packaging. Check them out below.
Air Jordan 9 OG “Space Jam 30th Anniversary”
Color: White/True Red-Black
Style Code: IX6179-100
Release Date: September 19, 2026
Price: $215 USD
Resell: StockX / GOAT / KICKS CREW / eBay
