Dora Panteli Makes History as the First Greek Female to Commentate in FIBA World Cup

Dora Panteli in a groundbreaking career moment, and for Greek women in sports media and the world of basketball, has etched her name in history; as the first Greek woman to broadcast live basketball at the FIBA Wold Cup! Making her the very first and only Greek female to commentate in the FIBA World Cup, currently taking place in the Philippines.

Her accomplishement not only signifies a monumental leap for gender equality in sports journalism but also the growing recognition of women's contributions in traditionally male-dominated arenas.

Four years ago in 2019, Panteli broke barriers when she became the first Greek female to commentate in the Euroleague and in the Final Four, proving that gender is not a determinant of one's capabilities in sports journalism.

"Dare to dream big"

Dora Panteli is changing the narrative. Her achievement is not just a personal triumph; it signifies a shift in the narrative surrounding Greek women's roles in sports media. As she stepped onto the broadcast stage, she shattered the glass ceiling that had kept women on the sidelines for far too long. Her presence sent a powerful message to aspiring female sports journalists, showing them that their voices and insights are not only valuable but necessary for a more inclusive and comprehensive coverage of sports events.


Serving as a beacon of inspiration for young girls and women who aspire to pursue careers in sports journalism or any male-dominated field. Her success is a reminder that with determination, skill, and a passion for what one does, anyone can achieve their goals, irrespective of societal expectations or norms.

Panteli's groundbreaking moment as the first Greek woman to broadcast live basketball in the FIBA World Cup on Greek television, is a turning point in the world of sports journalism in Greece (and other countries). Her journey from a passionate sports enthusiast to a trailblazing broadcaster,  serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to overcome barriers and make their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields. As we celebrate Panteli's accomplishment, let us also recognise the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality in sports media and beyond.

The sports journalist took her social media platforms to share her proud moment, "In my life some days are more special than others, but they all have one thing in common…my biggest love, basketball. After the NCAA scholarship in 2005 and the Euroleague F4 in 2019, I just crossed one more 1st place off my list …but I’m not done yet. First Greek female commentator in the FIBA World Cup for a Greek network. Done!"

'Dear basketball,

Thank you for everything.

Dear girls,

We got this!"

'It's not always easy, but it's worth it."

Theodora Pantelis: Basketball Analyst, TV Presenter, Clinical Psychologist

Born and raised in Athens, Greece, Theodora Panteli MSPsy, holds an Associate of Science (Pre-med program) from Jacksonville College,TX, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Global Culture (with a concentration in Rhetoric) and a double minor in Theatre Studies and PPL (Philosophy, Politics and Law) from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Hellenic American University, New Hampshire.

Pantelis has a qualification level B in Psychoeducational Testing and Assessment at Buffalo State University and she is a graduate (Class of 2019) of the International Visitor Leadership Program by the U.S Department of State.

From 2016 until today, she has been working as a TV Presenter, Sports Journalist, Game Analyst and Commentator for NOVASPORTS Channels based in Athens Greece.

She also works as a content creator, broadcaster, editor-in-chief, producer and presenter for Euroleague, NBA Summer League, NBA Europe and FIBA Europe.

During the academic year 2009-10 Dora served as a Teaching Assistant for Harpur College (SUNY) and the Departments of English (General Literature and Rhetoric) and Theatre Studies.

From 2016-2020 she served as a Learning Specialist and Career Counsellor for the American Community Schools of Athens.

A professor of Psychology for IST college for the school year 2020-21.

The academic year 2022-23, she taught Sports Journalism, Game analysis and Content Creation to future Journalists through various seminars.

Dora Pantelis was a professional athlete for 17 years and the first Greek female athlete to ever be awarded with a full athletic scholarship (NCAA Division 1).

A member of the Women's Greek Basketball National Team (2006-2013) and the 3x3 Basketball National Team (2018). She was the captain of BU Women’s Basketball Team (2008-2010) and the President of the Student-Athlete body from 2008-2010.

The first Greek female commentator in Euroleague, the 4th in Euroleague’s history and the first Greek journalist, male or female, who works as a presenter and/or content creator for Euroleague, NBA Europe and NBA Summer League.

A member of the Hellenic American Union. An award receiver for her contribution to Sports, Education and her career in Journalism and of course her dedication to Women Empowerment from SPAKE, the Olympic Committee and UNESCO. As a speaker she has been invited to various forums, seminars, workshops and clinics to speak mainly on Leadership, Women Empowerment, Psychology and Wellness, Sports Journalism and Sports Analytics.