COMPARED: Air Jordan 9 Retro Space Jam 2016 vs. 2026

Published September 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM

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Air Jordan 9 Retro Space Jam (2016) vs. Air Jordan 9 Retro Space Jam (2026)

Jordan Brand loves a bring-back, especially when anniversaries are involved. This year marks the 30th birthday of the beloved sports film Space Jam, where Michael Jordan teams up with the Looney Tunes to defend Earth against the Monstars by beating the evil aliens in a pick-up basketball game. MJ laced up two sneakers that are forever tied to the film, and while many will think of the Air Jordan 11 as the sneaker from Space Jam, you can’t forget the OG Air Jordan 9 colorway he wore in the first half of the movie.

For the 2026 release of the Air Jordan 9 Space Jam, Jordan Brand is officially partnering with Warner Bros. and adding a Space Jam connection to the sneaker. But as always, the return of a retro Air Jordan will come with similarities and differences. The Space Jam 9s last hit shelves in 2016, the same year we last got a retro of the Space Jam 11s, and now that official images of the 2026 retro have emerged, let’s compare the two.

Similarities Between the Air Jordan 9 Retro Space Jam 2016 and 2026

Colorblocking

Of course, bringing back the Space Jam Jordan 9 means the color placement has to come correct. Jordan Brand keeps things 1:1 with the original Air Jordan 9 colorway, staying consistent between the 2016 and 2026 pair. Both feature a white leather upper paired with black nubuck on the mudguard, collar, heel, and tongue. More white is found on the outsole that wraps up onto parts of the black midsole, and things are wrapped up with red details on the Air Jordan tongue tag, globe, and 23 branding on the heel, plus a red Jumpman on the sole unit.

Differences Between the Air Jordan 9 Retro Space Jam 2016 and 2026

Shade of Black

While the colorblocking on the 2016 and 2026 Air Jordan 9 Retro remains the same, the shade of black used for the nubuck accents is different. The 2016 pair was more ashy black, but the 2026 retro uses a deeper black hue.

Naming

For years, this original Air Jordan 9 colorway was referred to as the Air Jordan 9 OG or simply by its color scheme, “White Black True Red.” Still, in 2016, the Space Jam nickname was unofficially used by some. Jordan Brand didn’t cement the official connection to the movie until the 2026 release, and that’s evident in the packaging.

Packaging

Now that the Jordan Brand has officially partnered with Warner Bros. to connect the Air Jordan 9 to the film Space Jam, the 2026 version of the colorway comes packaged in a special box featuring Tune Squad and Space Jam logos. The lid features a classic Tune Squad logo, while the inside features a Jumpman-branded 30th anniversary logo for the film.

There’s also text that reads, “In 1996, the film Space Jam united two icons — Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny — in a cultural moment that defined a generation. The AJ9 and AJ11, both featured on screen, became legends in their own right. Now, 30 years later, Jordan Brand celebrates the film's enduring legacy and MJ's timeless impact with the return of these classic silhouettes."

However, the 2016 release was packaged in a simple black Jordan box that was standard for retro releases at the time.

Price

Inflation is something we all hate but it’s a part of life, and it has most definitely affected retro Air Jordan prices over the years. The 2016 release of the Air Jordan 9 Space Jam was priced at $190, while the 2026 release will retail for $215.

Shape

Jordan Brand tweaks the look and feel of sneakers over time, often bringing them closer to the original shape. While there hasn’t been a massive overhaul of the Air Jordan 9 since 2016, there are minor shape differences that are subtle and not entirely noticeable, even when compared side by side. Rest assured, the 2026 Space Jam Jordan 9 is different in its shape, even if you can’t tell by looking at it with the naked eye.

Air Jordan 9 Retro Space Jam Release Info

The Air Jordan 9 Retro Space Jam will be released September 19, 2026 through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men's and GS sizing, the retail price is set at $215 and $165. Check below for official images of the 2026 pair, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for real-time updates on the latest happenings in the sneaker world.