Side Kicks Streetwear • Global Release Guide
Updated: 13 September 2026
About the release
One of the most beloved Jordan 9 colourways is coming back after a full 10-year gap. The Air Jordan 9 OG 'Space Jam' — originally a 1993 release known simply as "White/Black/True Red" before the film's 1996 arrival gave it its iconic nickname — returns as part of Jordan Brand's wider Space Jam 30th anniversary programme. Style code HV4794-106. Alongside the Space Jam 11, it's the film's two-shoe sneaker chapter finally reunited on retail shelves for the milestone anniversary.
This 2026 execution corrects one of the biggest criticisms of past retros. The pair features an updated OG-accurate shape designed to sit closer to the 1993 original mold — a meaningful proportion fix that longtime collectors have been asking for. Build details stay period-correct: pristine white leather upper, black nubuck overlays wrapping the mudguard and extending up to the collar, True Red Jumpman on the lateral panel, embroidered '23' on the rear, and the rubberised Jumpman globe symbol on the heel — a nod to basketball going global via MJ's influence. Blacked-out polyurethane midsole encases forefoot and heel Air units. The outsole carries multi-language motivational words in the OG traction pattern.
Air Jordan 9 Retro OG (2016)
The 2016 Space Jam AJ9 — the previous retail chapter
Shop Now →TL;DR – Air Jordan 9 OG 'Space Jam' 2026 HV4794-106 Release Date, Price & Where to Buy
- UK release date: Saturday 19 September 2026
- Model: Air Jordan 9 Retro OG
- Colourway: White / True Red / Black
- Style code: HV4794-106
- UK retail price: £190 (adult)
- US retail price: $215 (adult)
- Sizing: Full family sizing
- Where to buy: Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers
- Anniversary: Space Jam film's 30th anniversary (1996 → 2026)
- Retro history: Sixth release of the OG colourway (1993 → 2002 → 2008 Countdown Pack → 2010 → 2016 → 2026)
- Key details: Updated OG-accurate 1993 mold shape, pristine white leather upper, black nubuck mudguard extending to collar, True Red Jumpman on lateral panel, embroidered '23' on rear, rubberised Jumpman globe symbol on heel, blacked-out polyurethane midsole with forefoot and heel Air units, multi-language motivational text outsole pattern
- Special packaging: Tune Squad themed box with 'TUNE SQUAD' on the lid and Looney Tunes gym artwork inside
Release date and price
The Air Jordan 9 OG 'Space Jam' releases in the UK on Saturday 19 September 2026 via Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers. UK retail is £190 for the adult pair, US retail $215, with full family sizing available. Originally expected to launch on 29 August, the release was pushed back to 19 September per Jordan Brand's updated schedule.
Given the 10-year gap since the 2016 retro and the direct tie to the Space Jam 30th anniversary — with both this AJ9 and the AJ11 'Space Jam' dropping in 2026 — expect this pair to move quickly on SNKRS release day. The updated OG-accurate shape and Tune Squad packaging elevate this pair meaningfully above the 2016 execution from a collector standpoint.
Design and details
The AJ9 has a unique place in Jordan history — the only Air Jordan signature ever released while MJ was in retirement, designed by Tinker Hatfield during Jordan's first hiatus. That context always gave the shoe a different weight than the models before it. The Space Jam colourway then attached to the AJ9 unofficially via the film's gym training scenes, before becoming official Jordan Brand marketing with the 2016 retro.
Updated OG-accurate shape
The biggest reason to care about this 2026 pair over previous retros. Jordan Brand has updated the shape to sit closer to the 1993 original mold. Past AJ9 retros (particularly the 2010 pair) drew criticism for proportion drift — this version corrects that, giving collectors the most faithful version of the Space Jam colourway Jordan Brand has produced. Combined with proper material sourcing, it's a meaningful upgrade over the 2016 execution.
The three-tone colour story
Pristine white leather covers the upper as the foundation. Black nubuck wraps the mudguard and extends up to the collar, adding the premium material contrast that has always defined this colourway. True Red handles all the branding hits: the Jumpman on the lateral panel, the 'Air Jordan' text across the tongue, and the embroidered '23' on the rear. The rubberised Jumpman globe symbol on the back pays homage to basketball's global expansion via MJ's influence — one of the most distinct AJ9 heel details.
The Tune Squad packaging
Arguably the drop's most collector-focused detail. The pair ships in special Tune Squad themed packaging — 'TUNE SQUAD' printed on the lid, and the inside of the box features artwork of the gym where MJ trained with the Looney Tunes during the film. It replaces the standard Jordan face retro box and elevates the shoe into a proper anniversary release rather than just another Space Jam retro. Small detail, meaningful difference.
Air Jordan 9 OG 'Space Jam' 2026 images
Credit: Nike / Jordan Brand
Air Jordan 9 Retro University Blue
Another AJ9 retro execution in the archive
Shop Now →The AJ9's place in Space Jam history
The AJ9's Space Jam connection is a proper two-shoe story. Michael Jordan wore this white AJ9 during the real-world gym training scenes — the pair Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny famously snuck into his house to try and steal. The Air Jordan 11 'Space Jam' then appeared on the animated court during the film's climactic Monstars game. In 2026, Jordan Brand is dropping both silhouettes together as part of the film's 30th anniversary programme — the most complete Space Jam sneaker moment since the 20th anniversary drops in 2016.
This colourway has quietly become one of the most re-issued AJ9s in the model's catalog. Original 1993 release, then retros in 2002, 2008 (as part of the Countdown Pack with the AJ14), 2010, and 2016 — making the 2026 pair the sixth iteration. Every previous retro has taught Jordan Brand something about proportions, materials and packaging. The 2026 version brings all of those lessons together with a genuine OG shape update and elevated Tune Squad box, positioning it as the definitive retail version of a colourway that's been re-released more than most.
Where to buy
The Air Jordan 9 OG 'Space Jam' releases on Saturday 19 September 2026 for £190 via Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers. Full family sizing available. Browse all Jordan 9 releases, other Jordan Space Jam colourways and the wider Jordan Brand archive on Side Kicks.
FAQ
When is the Air Jordan 9 'Space Jam' 2026 release date?
Saturday 19 September 2026 via Nike SNKRS and select Jordan Brand retailers. The release was originally scheduled for 29 August but was pushed back.
How much does the Space Jam AJ9 cost?
UK retail is £190 for the adult men's pair. Full family sizing available with US pricing at $215 (adult) and reduced tiers for GS, PS and TD sizes.
What's different about this 2026 pair vs the 2016 retro?
Two main differences. The 2026 pair features an updated OG-accurate mold shape that sits closer to the 1993 original — correcting proportion drift that longtime collectors flagged on past retros. Second, the 2026 pair ships in special Tune Squad themed packaging (with 'TUNE SQUAD' on the lid and Looney Tunes gym artwork inside the box) rather than the standard Jordan retro box.
Why is this AJ9 called 'Space Jam'?
Michael Jordan wore this White / Black / True Red AJ9 during the real-world gym training scenes in the 1996 film Space Jam — the pair Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck famously tried to steal from MJ's house. The colourway was originally released in 1993 simply as 'White/Black' or 'White/Black/Red', but its film association gave it the unofficial 'Space Jam' nickname that Jordan Brand made official with the 2016 retro.
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