diff --git a/python-sqlalchemy.spec b/python-sqlalchemy.spec
index bdd0f11..ef7a1eb 100644
--- a/python-sqlalchemy.spec
+++ b/python-sqlalchemy.spec
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
-# when bootstrapping Python, pytest-xdist is not yet available
+# when bootstrapping Python, pytest-xdist is not yet available (also not yet in EPEL9)
+%if ! 0%{?rhel} || 0%{?rhel} > 9
 %bcond_without xdist
+%else
+%bcond_with xdist
+%endif
 
 %global srcname SQLAlchemy
 
@@ -107,6 +111,7 @@ PYTHONPATH=. %{__python3} -m pytest test \
 %changelog
 * Tue Mar 08 2022 Nils Philippsen <nils@tiptoe.de> - 1.4.32-1
 - version 1.4.32
+- don't BR: python3-pytest-xdist on EL9
 
 * Fri Jan 21 2022 Nils Philippsen <nils@tiptoe.de> - 1.4.31-1
 - version 1.4.31