The NRL's parlous financial state in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis could be about to get a whole lot worse with sources close to the game's broadcast negotiations saying Fox Sports does not intend to make its quarterly payment next month.

Just hours after the Herald reported Channel Nine, the publisher of this masthead, would not meet its financial obligations to the NRL as a result of the suspension of the competition, the NRL is now forging ahead with plans without the support of Fox Sports.

Fox Sports is understood to be unwilling to make its quarterly broadcast payment to the NRL on April 1. Credit:AAP

The broadcasters, both Fox and Nine, pay the NRL close to a combined $400 million a year for the rights to the NRL season, finals series and State of Origin series.

The next quarterly instalment, which is paid in advance of matches played, is due next Wednesday and without the financial support from the broadcasters, the NRL faces massive financial trouble if it is not able to play another game this season.