WASHINGTON — From the court to the negotiating table, Rep. Jamaal Bowman says it is time for college athletes to have a shot at collective bargaining.

“These athletes are working their butts off, and they should be compensated for it,” said Bowman, a Democrat representing The Bronx and Westchester County.

Bowman has teamed up with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and a handful of other lawmakers on Capitol Hill to introduce a bill that would classify students receiving athletic scholarships as university employees.

It would also allow those students to effectively unionize and push for wages and modifications to working conditions — a sea change in how college athletics operate.

“If athletes want to collectively bargain within their particular sport, within their particular university, or within a particular conference, it would be good under the contract for them as a union to negotiate together,” he said.

The proposal faces an uphill battle on Capitol Hill.

The NCAA is already pushing back, saying in a statement that the “bill would directly undercut the purpose of college: earning a degree. The NCAA and its member schools support student-athletes through scholarships – many of which cover their full cost of education debt free – and numerous other benefits.”

“Turning student-athletes into union employees is not the answer,” the statement also says.

The bill’s rollout comes as lawmakers across the country are weighing how to treat student athletes. Some states - like California and Florida - have adopted new laws, allowing students to profit off their name, image, and likeness.

Similar legislation has been introduced in Albany, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill have drafted national name, image, and likeness proposals, as well.

However, Bowman said giving athletes the chance to profit off their likeness through endorsement deals is just one step.

“I think we can do it all. And we should do it all. Now,” he said. “Why not go all the way?”