Global sports broadcasting giant ESPN has told the NRL it wants to be at the table when the code opens its new television rights negotiations later this year in a move that could have major ramifications on the future of Fox Sports.

With Fox Sports, which on Wednesday announced up to 20 job cuts in its news division, already concerned about losing subscribers should the NRL be forced to call of its season due to the coronavirus pandemic, news of ESPN's interest in entering the market place could not have come at a worse time.

ESPN has told the NRL it wants a seat at the table in the code's next broadcast negotiations. Credit:AP

As revealed by The Herald on Monday, NRL and ESPN opened discussions this week about the potential for rugby league to be broadcast into the US and other countries around the world as the media company struggles to find live sporting content to air on its multi-platform network during the coronavirus pandemic.

While ESPN on Wednesday ruled out the immediate broadcasting of NRL matches due in part to restrictions around the current international rights deal with Fox Sports, a relationship has been forged that is likely to result in the NRL heading to ESPN headquarters in Connecticut once the coronavirus outbreak settles down.