TSLA Options Trader Bets $23.3M on Long-Dated 2026 Calls

TSLA options
TSLA 300C expiring 1/16/2026

TSLA options activity showed a shockingly large call option trade with the following details. The contract is a $300 strike call expiring on January 16, 2026, giving it nearly 4 months until expiration. The trade was a sweep buy order at a spot price of $442.48 at the time of the trade. The contract size was recorded at 1,500 at a premium of $155.56 per contract, resulting in a total premium outlay of about $23.3 million.

At the time of the trade, daily volume reached 1,638 contracts. Compared to an open interest of 20,500, this produces a V/OI ratio of about 0.08. While sizable, the trade is not dramatically large relative to existing open interest. The sweep order type indicates urgency in execution, signaling strong conviction at the $300 strike despite the stock already being well above that level.

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Volume and Open Interest Data

TSLA 300C expiring 1/16/2026 Volume and Open Interest Data

The TSLA options data for the $300 strike call expiring January 16, 2026 shows a notable spike in trading activity on September 22nd. Specifically, 1,873 contracts traded hands compared to much lighter volumes of 221 contracts on 9/19 and 200 contracts on 9/18. Open interest has held steady around 20,500 contracts. Previous trading sessions show only modest day-to-day changes.

The contract price has risen steadily, climbing from $131.65 on 9/18 to $148.19 on 9/22, while implied volatility has hovered around 61–63%. The combination of rising prices, healthy OI, and surging volume highlights strong conviction from traders building long-term exposure in TSLA options.

More Notable Options Trades Observed

TSLA 550C expiring 12/19/2025

TSLA options flow highlighted another large sweep trade. This one traded in the $550 strike calls expiring December 19, 2025. A block of 1,000 contracts was purchased at $19.50 per contract, totaling about $2 million in premium. Notably, the trade occurred with TSLA stock at $435.15 which is well below the strike. This deems the trade far out of the money.

The volume of 8,239 contracts exceeded the existing open interest of 7,560, giving a V/OI ratio above 1.0. This strongly suggests that a portion of this activity represents new positions being established. The use of a sweep order indicates urgency, reinforcing conviction that traders expect significant movement in TSLA options and shares by the end of 2025.

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What’s Happening with TSLA

Tesla has experienced a dramatic stock surge in September 2025, reversing a difficult start to the year and achieving new highs. This recent momentum has been fueled by CEO Elon Musk’s highly publicized $1 billion stock purchase, his first such move since 2020. The purchase signaled confidence in Tesla’s direction and drew strong investor interest.

In the last month, TSLA shares have risen more than 30%. Analysts have raised their price targets and highlighted optimism over Tesla’s progress in AI, robotics, and self-driving technology. Upcoming product launches and an expansion of Robotaxi services beyond Austin have also caught investors’ attention. Despite these gains, Tesla still faces long-term challenges from softening EV demand and intensifying competition, particularly from Chinese rivals. However, new, more affordable models, advances in autonomous driving, and new energy storage offerings are expected to play crucial roles in Tesla’s growth moving forward.

About TSLA

Tesla, Inc. is an American multinational company headquartered in Austin, Texas, specializing in electric vehicles, battery energy storage solutions, and solar energy products. Founded in 2003, Tesla designs, manufactures, and sells battery electric vehicles ranging from sedans and SUVs to trucks. They also manufacture stationary battery systems for homes and businesses, and solar panels and solar roof tiles.

The company is recognized as a pioneer in the electric vehicle market. They are known for their focus on innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies like autopilot and full self-driving features. In addition to automotive products, Tesla is expanding its energy division with large-scale battery storage systems known as Megapacks, aiming to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy.

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Analyst Ratings

FirmRating / StarsLast Update
CFRA★★★ (3-star) – Hold08/17/2025
Market EdgeAvoid07/30/2025
ArgusHold07/25/2025
Morningstar★★ (2-star) – Bearish08/08/2025
LSEGUnderperform / Hold08/21/2025
Schwab Equity RatingsF (Strongly Bearish)08/22/2025

Analyst ratings for TSLA reflect a mixed to cautious sentiment, with most firms leaning neutral or bearish. CFRA assigns a ★★★ (3-star) rating, essentially a Hold outlook. Market Edge is more negative, issuing an Avoid recommendation.

Argus takes a neutral stance with a Hold rating, while Morningstar leans bearish, giving TSLA just ★★ (2-stars). LSEG also signals caution with an Underperform/Hold outlook. The most bearish call comes from Schwab Equity Ratings, which assigns a failing F-rating. Overall, the distribution shows limited bullish conviction, with sentiment ranging from Hold to outright Avoid, suggesting analysts are skeptical about TSLA’s near-term upside potential.

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Disclaimer: Options trading involves significant risk and is not suitable for all investors. You may lose the entire investment, and certain strategies may result in losses exceeding the initial amount invested. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Always consult a financial or tax advisor before making investment decisions.

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