NBA, WNBA Promote Leadership Program Advising Facilitators Not to Use the Word 'Girls'

The NBA and WNBA have partnered with Sheryl Sandberg's Lean In organization to promote a leadership program for young people, referred to as 'Lean In Girls.' However, a handbook for facilitators of the program advises adults not to address participants as 'girls.' The program, aimed at individuals as young as 11, also includes guidance on exploring gender identity and encourages the use of gender-neutral language.

The NBA and WNBA have had a long-standing relationship with Lean In. The NBA's 2022-23 Social Impact Report noted an eight-year collaboration with the WNBA, which included public service announcements during playoff games to highlight the importance of women and girls in sports. By 2024, this partnership expanded to encompass the Lean In Girls program. Promotional materials, including a video released by the NBA in April 2026, describe Lean In Girls as a "school-ready" program supported by both leagues.

A 2023 facilitator handbook for Lean In Girls, obtained by OutKick, describes the program as being developed for those who "identify with the girlhood experience." Within a section on "Gender inclusion," the handbook states, "When you greet your group or refer to them as a whole, avoid calling them 'girls' or 'guys.'" Instead, facilitators are encouraged to use terms such as "everyone," "folks," "leaders," and "team." The guide also suggests that participants share their pronouns, while cautioning against making it mandatory, and recommends substituting they/them pronouns in fictional scenarios.

Beyond language, the handbook addresses concepts like "social power" and "active allyship." It instructs facilitators to help participants recognize societal biases and power dynamics, including how factors like wealth and disability can influence an individual's social standing. Facilitators are encouraged to cultivate a "brave space" for young people to confront injustice.

Records indicate that the Santa Clara Unified School District in California implemented the Lean In Girls program at Buchser Middle School, describing it as a "Tier 2 Intervention" to support eighth-grade girls experiencing challenges with social connections and confidence. District presentations noted that recruitment considered academic performance, attendance, discipline records, and diversity, with objectives including helping girls examine gender and cultural stereotypes and understand their identities.

OutKick sought comment from the NBA, WNBA, and Lean In Girls regarding their review process for the program, awareness of the handbook's content, and financial support. As of the deadline for this report, none of the organizations provided substantive answers. Lean In has also not provided updated curriculum materials requested since August 2026.