Dora Panteli Biography: Former Team, Sport Shows, Ex-Boyfriend, Age, Net Worth, Parents, Child, Husband, Siblings

Theodora “Dora” Panteli is a Greek former professional basketball player, sports journalist, and television presenter, celebrated for her pioneering role as the first Greek woman to commentate live basketball at the FIBA World Cup in 2023 and the first to broadcast a Euroleague game in Greece in 2019.

A 14-year professional career as a power forward, including a full athletic scholarship to Binghamton University (NCAA D1), marked her as a trailblazer in Greek women’s basketball.

Her transition to sports media, combined with her academic achievements and advocacy for gender equality, has solidified her as a multifaceted figure in Greek sports and entertainment.

Profile

• Full Name: Theodora Panteli
• Stage Name: Dora Panteli
• Born: November 26, 1987
• Age: 37 years old
• Birthplace: Maroussi, Athens, Greece
• Nationality: Greek
• Occupation: Former Basketball Player, Sports Journalist, Television Presenter
• Height: 1.85m
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: John Meramveliotaki (m. 2024)
• Boyfriends: Nikos Kokkalis
• Children: Panagiotis Meramveliotaki
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

Dora Panteli was born on November 26, 1987, in Maroussi, Athens, Greece, and raised in Peristeri, Attica. Her father was a professional footballer for Panathinaikos, fostering her connection to sports.

Details about her parents’ names and whether she has siblings are not publicly known. Facing challenging family circumstances, including experiences of domestic violence, she found solace in basketball at age 12, which became her “haven.”

She pursued higher education in the United States, earning an associate’s degree in science and pre-medicine, followed by a bachelor’s degree in English literature, rhetoric, and global culture from Binghamton University in 2010, with minors in theater arts, political science, law, and philosophy.

She later completed a master’s degree in clinical psychology and serves as an assistant professor in psychology at a university in Athens. In 2023, she attended Harvard Business School’s “The Business of Entertainment, Media & Sports” program, a highly competitive course for global industry leaders.

Career

Dora Panteli began her basketball career at age 12 with Amilla Peristeriou, progressing through Greek clubs like Ano Liosia, Panserraikos, Panathinaikos, Proteas Voulas, Asteras Exarchion, Elliniko, and Athinaikos.

As a power forward, she played for Greece’s national teams (U16, U17, U21, and senior women’s team) and was the first Greek female athlete to receive a whole NCAA Division 1 scholarship at Binghamton University, where she captained the women’s basketball team (2009-2010).

Her professional career (2001-2017) included two Greek championships, two cup titles, and records in rebounding, notably averaging near double-doubles in her final season with Athinaikos (2016-2017).

She also played 3×3 basketball for Greece in 2018. After retiring from basketball in 2016 due to work commitments and academic pursuits, Panteli transitioned into sports journalism.

Since 2018, she has worked as a basketball analyst and commentator for Nova Sports, making history on May 19, 2019, as the first Greek woman to broadcast a EuroLeague game (the Final Four in Vitoria) and the fourth woman in Europe to do so.

On August 27, 2023, she became the first Greek woman to commentate live at the FIBA World Cup in the Philippines. She hosted the web-based basketball show Analuse To (2022-2023) and has interviewed basketball legends like Paul Pierce, Gary Payton, and Dirk Nowitzki.

Her media career also includes appearances on reality shows like House of Fame La Academia (2021) as a health and wellness coach and Just the 2 of Us (2024) as a contestant, showcasing her singing talent.

Beyond sports and media, Panteli is an assistant psychology professor and has spoken openly about overcoming domestic violence, inspiring others through her resilience.

Her ambassadorial role with Panathinaikos B.C. strengthens her ties to Greek sports culture, and her 200,000 Instagram followers engage with her lifestyle, travel, and career updates.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @dora_panteli_
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: @panteli_dora

Personal Life

Dora Panteli married Greek-Canadian entrepreneur and film producer John Meramveliotaki in 2024 after a whirlwind romance, having known each other for 10 years.

They welcomed their son, Panagiotis, on July 25, 2025. Previously, she was in a long-term relationship with basketball player Nikos Kokkalis until 2020. Based in Athens, Panteli is passionate about fast cars and has trained in competitive driving.

Net Worth

Dora Panteli has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. Her wealth derives from her basketball career, including contracts with top Greek clubs, as well as her media work with Nova Sports, reality TV appearances, and endorsements. Her academic roles, brand partnerships, and ambassadorial work with Panathinaikos B.C. further contribute to her financial success.