What are the key characteristics of an inclusive project leader?

As someone who hasn't watched a college, semi-pro, or pro game (any sport) in over a decade, I feel comfortable saying that there is nothing wrong with initiating small talk about sports, on the condition that you are asking about the interests of one or more people in the room, and you ask about other attendee's interests, as well. Maybe not everyone in the same meeting, or the actual meeting will never get started, but across meetings, get to know your teams and ask about their interests.

Don't wait for meetings to engage with your teams. You pass them in the hallways and in the breakroom/cafeteria (maybe sit with them if that doesn't make them uncomfortable), or going to or from the parking lot. You should probably avoid small talk in the restroom, however, and never follow them into the Mother's room. Be more interested in engaging, involving, and understanding the people you work with than you are in "inclusivity". Most people can tell the difference between you caring about them and you caring about trying to look good.